What is dual energy?
Dual energy means using two complementary energy sources to heat your buildings: electricity and natural gas. In a dual energy system, electricity is used as the main source of heating. During periods of extreme cold (from -12°C to -15°C depending on the region), when electricity demand peaks, natural gas takes over. This complementarity ensures optimal use of energy resources while maintaining the comfort of your occupants.
Dual energy is for Énergir current customers who use a natural gas-fired central heating system and meet the eligibility criteria. Under certain conditions, new construction may also be eligible for the dual-energy offer. Talk to your representative.
Key benefits
Optimize your operating costs
By taking advantage of lower electricity rates1 and using natural gas in cold weather during peak consumption periods, you could see substantial savings on your energy budget2.
Access attractive grants
The Quebec government, Hydro-Québec and Énergir have joined forces to offer you a generous grant to help you convert to dual energy. This assistance can cover up to 80%3 of the extra cost of buying and installing your new equipment. The opportunity to replace your old systems with more energy-efficient equipment, at a lower cost.
As your main point of contact, Énergir facilitates the process and supports you every step of the way.
Contribute to the energy transition
As a rental owner or manager choosing dual energy, you play an active role in reducing GHG emissions and align your operations with the government’s environmental targets.
Customer testimonial
“The grant program, which covers up to 80% of the extra cost, was key to this decision, as were the anticipated potential savings.” - Kai Zhang, HELISIS
Grants by the numbers
Grants starting June 18, 2024
Hot water heating | Amount |
| 4-7 dwellings | Up to = $1,000 per unit. + $200 per ton of GHG avoided3 |
| 8-19 dwellings | Up to = $1,050 per unit. + $200 per ton of GHG avoided3 |
You could benefit from additional grants of up to $22,4753 for an electrical upgrade leading to increased amperage.
Example of grants
For a 13-unit, 975 m2 multi-dwelling with a hot-water heating system, take advantage of $17,6903 in available grants.
These savings are based on a 13-unit, 975 m2 multi-dwelling with a hot-water heating system.
** For information purposes only. Average annual savings for space heating vary according to different parameters, including the type of residence and the equipment installed. Calculations are based notably on prices from October 2024 corresponding to the rates of Énergir and Hydro-Québec.
Ready to switch to dual energy?
Énergir is there to guide you every step of the way, from initial support – including potential grant applications – to commissioning of the dual energy solution in your buildings.Contact us now for a personalized consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Dual energy involves replacing a 100% natural gas heating system with one that uses two energy sources:
- Electricity as the primary source (approximately 70% of consumption)
- Natural gas as a backup source during cold periods (from -12°C to -15°C depending on the region) when demand for electricity is very high
Our offer is intended to increase the share of electricity used to heat buildings, reducing natural gas consumption and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while stabilizing peak electricity demand in cold weather.
Converting your system to dual energy involves adding an electric heating system and, in some cases, upgrading your existing heating system. Grants for the purchase and installation of the equipment are available through the Quebec government, Hydro-Québec and Énergir. They can cover up to 80%3 of the extra-cost of the work. Several examples are given above.
Customers with an electric/natural-gas heating system can get attractive dual-energy pricing from Hydro-Québec or the dual-energy rate from their electrical distributor. Natural gas is billed at the customer’s regular rate.
1 Residential customers with an electricity/natural-gas heating system are eligible for Hydro-Québec’s Rate DT for all of their household consumption, or their electrical distributor’s dual-energy rate where applicable.
Business customers with an electricity/natural-gas heating system are eligible for the small- and medium-power dual-energy rate for space heating between October 1 and April 30 inclusive (electricity for other uses is covered by a separate Rate G, M or G9 subscription, as applicable, as is electricity consumed between May 1 and September 30 inclusive).
2 Economic competitiveness depends on a number of factors, including the type of building, the equipment used and the current rate.
3 Certain conditions apply. Grants may vary according to building characteristics, type of heating and equipment purchased.
Under the Chauffez vert program, the grant can cover up to 80% of the extra cost of eligible projects. To find out the conditions and eligibility criteria, please visit the website dedicated to the Chauffez vert program.
Under the EcoPerformance program, the grant can cover up to 80% of the extra cost of eligible projects, to a maximum of $250,000 per site. To find out the conditions and eligibility criteria, please visit the website dedicated to the EcoPerformance program.
For more complex projects requiring an engineer, the Quebec government uses a customized calculation to determine the grant amount. The grant amount can cover up to 80% of the extra cost of eligible projects or $250 per tonne of GHG avoided over a 10-year period, up to $6 million per site.
Additional costs may be incurred in connection with the electrical work required.
To be eligible, you must sign a contract with your Énergir sales representative or partner prior to installation. Offer terms and conditions and grant amounts are subject to change without notice.
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