Hydro-Québec Offre simplifiée (OSE): measures and financial support

The Offre simplifiée (simplified offer) of the Solutions efficaces program relies on the OSE calculation tool, which contains more than 200 predefined energy efficiency measures. For these measures, savings and financial support are pre-set: you enter the data in OSE and the tool computes the support — no measurement or extra calculation required. It is the fast track for common compressed-air projects up to 200 HP.

No subsidy guarantee. Financial-support rates, conditions and terms are confirmed for each project: only Hydro-Québec’s acceptance of the application confirms project eligibility and the subsidy’s terms. Onyx M3 does not guarantee any financial support.

Financial support (Offre simplifiée) = calculated automatically in OSE
  (minimum savings threshold to access a subsidy)

Criterion	Requirement
Minimum threshold	Minimum savings threshold to access a subsidy (bundling buildings/measures allowed)
Equipment	New, certified or approved
Service life	Measure with at least 5-year life
Measurement	None required
Prior approval	Not required (contract/PO date sets the terms)

This assumes a measure predefined in OSE: if the measure is not listed (complex project, > 200 HP), the Offre sur mesure applies.

Eligible compressed-air measures (OSE)

The predefined compressed-air measures in OSE target the main parts of a system:

Part	Predefined measure (OSE)
Compressor	Variable-speed drive (VSD) on an air-cooled compressor ≤ 200 HP motor
Compressor	Variable-speed drive (VSD) on a water-cooled compressor ≤ 200 HP motor
Storage	Receiver on a fixed-speed compressor system
Storage	Receiver on a VSD compressor system
Dryer	Heat-regenerated desiccant dryer (“sécheur dessiccatif avec élément chauffant”)
Dryer	Heat-regenerated desiccant dryer with blower
Control	Energy sequencer (compressor manager)

A VSD (variable-speed drive) modulates motor speed to demand. Since energy is ~92% of the life-cycle cost, modulation strongly reduces power draw at part load.

Predefined rebates (VSD and other measures)

The predefined OSE rebates vary with motor power and application (fan, pump, compressor), and change from one version of the tool to the next. The amount comes from the current version of OSE at the time of the project and is only confirmed by Hydro-Québec’s acceptance of the application.

Eligibility — the essentials

To be eligible for the Offre simplifiée, the project must:

Be carried out in one or more buildings in Quebec, on a business rate.
Target measures predefined in OSE (listed in the tool’s online help).
Meet the minimum savings threshold to access a subsidy.
Target only new equipment entailing purchase and installation costs, certified or approved by a recognized independent body or by Hydro-Québec.

A project is not eligible if it is mandatory for compliance with a law, regulation or standard, if it has a negative impact on health, safety or the environment, or if it breaches a law.

How it works, step by step

Prepare — download the OSE version matching the work start date and estimate the support; confirm the measures are eligible.
Carry out the project (no prior approval required).
Submit — complete the OSE files (including the Confirmation of completion) and send them with a copy of the invoices for purchase, installation or programming of each measure.
Verification — Hydro-Québec may request other documents or visit the site, then confirms the support.
Invoice (PDF) within 30 days; payment about 45 days after the compliant invoice is received.

The order of magnitude of the support

Hydro-Québec publishes case simulations in its partner documentation (upgrading a compressed-air network, a drive on a 200 HP motor, etc.). The actual amount comes from the current version of OSE and is only confirmed by Hydro-Québec’s acceptance of the project.

With Onyx M3 tools

Compressed-air assessment — identifies the applicable predefined measures and bundles them to reach the minimum savings threshold. →
Air dryers and desiccant dryers — eligible new equipment (efficient dryer). →
Offre sur mesure — for projects > 200 HP or not predefined. →
Energy efficiency projects: OSE or custom? — overview and the real cost of air. →

References

Hydro-Québec — Programme Solutions efficaces — Volet Moyennes et grandes entreprises (participation guide, October 2024) — section 2 (Offre simplifiée), eligibility, process.
Hydro-Québec — Offer presentation to partners (2025) — OSE tool, compressed-air measures, VSD rebate tables, simulations.
Hydro-Québec — Solutions efficaces — Participant guide (2020G255) — predefined measures, compressed air ≤ 200 HP.

Why it matters. The Offre simplifiée turns a routine equipment replacement (drive, receiver, efficient dryer) into financial support calculated in advance, with no measurement. An assessment ensures the right measure is chosen and the minimum savings threshold is met.

Frequently asked questions

What is the OSE tool?

OSE is the calculation tool for the Offre simplifiée of Hydro-Québec's Solutions efficaces program. It contains more than 200 predefined energy efficiency measures whose savings and financial support are pre-set. You download the current version, enter the technical and administrative data, and the tool computes the support — with no extra measurement or calculation to provide.

Which compressed-air measures are eligible under the Offre simplifiée?

A variable-speed drive (VSD) on an air- or water-cooled compressor motor of 200 HP or less, storage (a receiver) on a fixed-speed or VSD system, a heat-regenerated desiccant dryer (with or without a blower), and an energy sequencer. Above 200 HP, or for a non-predefined measure, the Offre sur mesure applies.

Is there a minimum threshold under the Offre simplifiée?

Yes: the program requires a minimum savings threshold to access a subsidy. You can bundle several buildings and measure types to reach it. The support is calculated automatically in OSE and is only confirmed by Hydro-Québec's acceptance of the project — Onyx M3 does not guarantee any subsidy.

Do I need Hydro-Québec approval before starting work under the Offre simplifiée?

Unlike the Offre sur mesure, the Offre simplifiée requires no prior approval: the contract or purchase-order date sets the terms. You carry out the project, then submit the completed OSE files with the purchase and installation invoices. Equipment must be new, certified or approved, and the measure must have a 5-year service life.