Energy efficiency as a strategic lever for industrial competitiveness in Québec

A changing energy landscape

Québec is currently going through a quiet yet significant energy shift. While global momentum around decarbonization is slowing, the province is staying the course thanks to its unique competitive advantage: hydroelectricity. However, rapidly growing demand is increasingly squeezing supply, especially in the industrial sector. Access to electricity is becoming the deciding factor in project completion and business growth.

In this landscape, energy efficiency is not merely a means of boosting profitability. It is an essential collective issue and the key to securing equitable and sustainable access to energy.

A strengthened regulatory framework

Since 2023, the province has introduced two game-changing bills: Bill 2 and Bill 69. Bill 2 requires new and existing industrial clients to demonstrate exemplary energy use before requesting a connection point of 5 MW or more.

That means:

• Conducting an energy efficiency study.
• Implementing the recommended measures.
• Participating in the peak demand management program, which can account for up to 30% of the requested block.
• As of 2025, committing to implementing an ISO 50001–compliant energy management system.

Bill 69 introduces the Integrated Energy Resource Management Plan, which promotes long-term planning, local initiatives and accelerated industrial decarbonization.

BBA: A catalyst for energy efficiency

Industrial clients’ energy efficiency goals and solutions depend on several factors, including location, focus area, facility conditions, business plans, access to the electrical grid, and the environmental impact of the operations.

At BBA Consultants, we consider our clients’ unique circumstances to help them define their energy strategy.

Specifically, we help them:

• Modernize their existing facilities to improve energy efficiency and cut costs.
• Optimize their existing electricity blocks to support production levels without requesting additional energy or adding new connection points.
• Reduce their greenhouse gas emissions and the associated cap-and-trade system costs while boosting their public profile.
• Transition to hydroelectricity, an emission-free resource, to build a cleaner future.
• Earn new connection points by demonstrating efficient energy use per Bill 2 to secure energy blocks and move projects forward efficiently.
• Implement ISO 50001–compliant energy management systems that support their governance, culture and energy efficiency.

We also help our clients optimize available financial support. Enhanced programs from Énergir, Hydro-Québec and various levels of government can maximize budgets and reduce the financial risk of adopting new technologies.

Energy efficiency as a sustainable competitive edge

Being energy efficient has always made sense. But it makes even more sense given today’s energy landscape and consumers’ growing expectations of businesses. It also paves the way for winning strategies, such as:

• Reducing costs sustainably.
• Improving operational resilience.
• Promoting innovation.
• Enhancing financial and ESG attractiveness to investors.
• Engaging talent around a forward-looking business model.
• Securing a strategic position in global supply chains.

A strategic shift for Québec businesses

These fast-paced changes to Québec’s energy framework represent a significant turning point. Energy should be viewed not just as a resource but as a strategic asset. By integrating energy efficiency and management into their business visions, businesses can lead the transition, not just follow it. Because in a market where every unit of energy counts, energy efficiency is much more than an obligation—it’s a lever for businesses to stand out, innovate, and grow.