ÉcoPerformance (Québec): How to Apply Across All Streams

By GrantHub Research Team · · Lire en français

ÉcoPerformance (Québec): How to Apply Across All Streams

If your Québec business uses fossil fuels or heats large buildings, ÉcoPerformance can cover a major share of your transition costs. The program supports energy efficiency, fuel conversion, and greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects, with funding covering up to 75%–80% of eligible costs, depending on the stream. Choosing the right stream is the key to a successful application.

ÉcoPerformance is run by the Ministère de l’Environnement, de la Lutte contre les changements climatiques, de la Faune et des Parcs (MELCCFP) and is currently open across multiple streams.


ÉcoPerformance Streams Explained

ÉcoPerformance offers several streams to support different types of projects. Understanding each stream helps you match your project with the right funding.

Simplified Implementation

This stream is designed for pre-approved energy efficiency and energy conversion measures with fixed funding amounts.

Who it’s for

  • Québec businesses and organizations in targeted sectors
  • Projects focused on energy efficiency, energy conversion, or fugitive emission reductions

Funding

  • Predefined, pre-quantified amounts
  • Funding level varies by approved measure

How to apply

  • Select eligible measures from the official list
  • Submit technical and cost documentation
  • No full engineering study required, which speeds up approval

This stream is often the fastest way to access ÉcoPerformance funding for standard upgrades.

Standard Analysis Stream

This stream funds detailed studies that identify GHG reduction opportunities before you invest.

Who it’s for

  • Enterprises, institutions, municipalities, and organizations
  • Sites located in Québec that consume fossil fuels or generate fugitive emissions

Funding

  • Up to $300,000
  • Covers 75% of eligible costs

Eligible activities

  • Comprehensive analysis of emission reduction measures
  • Energy efficiency and conversion feasibility studies

This is often a required first step before applying to larger implementation streams.

Energy Management Stream (ISO 50001)

This stream helps organizations implement a formal energy management system.

Who it’s for

  • Québec sites that consume fossil fuels
  • Organizations not already ISO 50001 certified

Funding

  • Up to $320,000 total
  • Covers 75% of eligible costs
  • Sub-caps include:
    • $10,000 for an energy manager
    • $50,000 for training and ISO 50001 preparation
    • $100,000 for external experts
    • $150,000 for measurement equipment

Key requirements

  • Energy policy signed by senior management
  • Dedicated energy manager and energy team
  • Site-wide implementation

Implementation of Large Industrial Projects

This stream supports major industrial investments with high GHG reduction impact.

Who it’s for

  • Industrial companies or groups of companies
  • Sites located in Québec
  • Companies investing $15 million or more
  • Participants in Québec’s cap-and-trade system (SPEDE)

Funding

  • Up to $40 million
  • Covers 75% of eligible costs

This stream involves a rigorous review process and long planning timelines.

Biénergie Commercial and Institutional

This is one of the most searched ÉcoPerformance streams and targets building heating systems.

Who it’s for

  • Commercial, institutional, and municipal building owners
  • Buildings using natural gas from Énergir
  • Located in Québec

Project focus

  • Partial conversion from natural gas heating to bi-energy systems (electricity + gas)
  • Optimized use of Québec’s electricity and gas networks

Funding

  • Up to $6,000,000 per project
  • Covers up to 80% of eligible costs

Key eligibility detail

  • Natural gas consumption must be ≤ 500,000 m³
  • Applies to commercial, institutional, municipal, and large multi-unit residential buildings

GrantHub’s eligibility matcher can help you quickly confirm whether your building and fuel profile match this stream. You can also use GrantHub to compare ÉcoPerformance with other Québec energy programs.


Application Tips and Common Mistakes

Applying to ÉcoPerformance can be straightforward if you follow these tips and avoid common errors:

  1. Choose the right stream
    Many rejections happen because applicants select a stream that does not match their project stage.

  2. Wait for approval before starting work
    Costs incurred before official authorization are usually not eligible.

  3. Gather all fuel consumption data
    ÉcoPerformance requires clear proof of fossil fuel use or GHG emissions.

  4. Prepare your documentation
    Even simplified streams require technical and financial evidence.


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is ÉcoPerformance funding taxable?
Yes. Financial assistance is generally treated as taxable income. Confirm with your accountant or Revenu Québec.

Q: Can ÉcoPerformance be combined with other grants?
Sometimes. Stacking depends on the rules of each program and total public funding limits.

Q: Is there a deadline to apply?
The program is currently open, but funding availability can change without notice.

Q: Do I need an energy study before applying?
Not for the simplified implementation stream. Other streams often require a prior analysis or feasibility study.

Q: Does ÉcoPerformance only apply to large companies?
No. SMEs, institutions, and municipalities are eligible under several streams.


Next Steps

ÉcoPerformance can fund everything from early-stage studies to multi-million-dollar building conversions. The challenge is choosing the right stream and timing your application correctly. GrantHub tracks active ÉcoPerformance and energy transition grants across Québec, helping you see which programs match your building type, energy use, and project stage. For more support, GrantHub’s grant guides and comparison tools can simplify your search and application planning.

See also:

  • Energy Efficiency and Clean Tech Rebates for Canadian Businesses
  • How to Identify Eligible Energy Efficiency Measures for Quebec Grants
  • How to Fund Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Feasibility Projects

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