The Régie de l'énergie announced Thursday that it has given the green light to the partnership between Hydro-Québec and Énergir.

Worth $400 million, the agreement aims to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by converting gas heating systems to dual energy.

To achieve this, Hydro-Québec will compensate Énergir for the conversion of its current customers who will turn to dual energy (gas and electricity). According to the documents filed with the Régie, the agreement does not only target current Énergir customers, but also those who decide to turn to dual energy in the future, reported “Le Journal de Montréal” last month.

The state corporation estimates that, for its part, dual energy will save $1.7 billion by 2030.

“This decision by the Régie comes at a pivotal moment in the energy transition and electrification of Quebec. The dual-energy solution will significantly reduce GHG emissions related to heating buildings, while limiting the price impact for our customers," said Éric Filion, Executive Vice-President, Chief Operating Officer, in a press release. and the Hydro-Québec customer experience.

The tariff impact of the agreement on Hydro-Québec subscribers is around 1.43% by 2030, according to the Régie. “Thus, residential customers with 5 1/2 units would have a rate impact on their annual electricity bill of around $2.84, starting in 2025. This amount is estimated at $12.71 per year in 2030”. For Énergir, the impact is calculated at 0.9% during this same period.

"The decision rendered by the Régie today allows us to support our ambition to significantly reduce the distribution and consumption of fossil natural gas in favor of increased electrification, particularly in the building sector," added Éric Lachance. , President and CEO of Énergir.