On Monday, June 29, 2026, Hydro‑Québec announced a new initiative that will provide free heat‑pump installations to qualifying low‑income households across the province. The program is jointly funded by Hydro‑Québec, the Government of Quebec and the Government of Canada, and is intended to reach residents who meet the income criteria set by the participating agencies.
Eligible Quebecers will receive a complete heat‑pump system at no cost, including delivery, installation and any required ancillary equipment. The partnership between the utility and the two levels of government aims to remove financial barriers that have prevented many low‑income families from upgrading to more efficient heating technology. By covering the full expense, the program seeks to improve household comfort while also contributing to broader energy‑efficiency goals.
Hydro‑Québec, the province's primary electricity provider, will oversee the logistical aspects of the rollout, coordinating with local contractors to ensure installations meet safety and performance standards. The provincial and federal governments are providing additional funding to support the scale of the effort, though specific budget figures were not disclosed. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to modernising residential heating and reducing reliance on older, less efficient systems.
The announcement comes as part of ongoing discussions about climate action and energy affordability in Quebec. While the program focuses on low‑income residents, officials indicated that the broader objective is to demonstrate the benefits of heat‑pump technology, which can lower electricity consumption and reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions compared with traditional heating methods.
Residents who believe they qualify are encouraged to contact Hydro‑Québec for further information on the application process and to confirm eligibility. The utility plans to begin installations shortly after the rollout is finalized, with the goal of reaching as many eligible households as possible throughout the province.
