Hydro-Québec has unveiled a new 10-year, $10 billion energy efficiency plan aimed at reducing electricity consumption in Quebec by 10%. The initiative includes free smart thermostats for residential customers and financial support for commercial and industrial building owners to improve heating, ventilation, and lighting systems.
The utility company will allocate $2 billion immediately to encourage energy-saving measures. Industrial clients will also receive technical and financial assistance to implement efficiency projects.
Hydro-Québec estimates that saving energy costs three times less than acquiring new power supplies, with efficiency measures costing 4 cents per kilowatt-hour compared to 13 cents for new supply. The plan is expected to create over 5,000 jobs across Quebec while lowering electricity bills.
Currently, only 60,000 of Quebec’s 4 million homes have smart thermostats. The program aims to significantly increase adoption.
