Read on to find out about the most recent program updates and how to get the most out of them!
Latest updates: All you need to know
The Efficient Solutions Program is constantly evolving to help business customers achieve a faster return on their energy efficiency and demand response projects. On March 31, 2025, OSE 5.1 replaces OSE 5.0, and the program’s updated Energy Analysis Component takes effect.
Increased financial support and new features
Version 5.1 of the Efficient Solutions calculation tool (OSE) includes new features to provide businesses and organizations with access to even more financial support. For example, business customers that opt for an ENERGY STAR® certified split system aerothermal heat pump (cold climate or regular) can benefit from increased financial support. What a great way to generate significant savings!
The new OSE was augmented with new features you’ll appreciate. It integrates ENERGY STAR® API to facilitate data input and a new drop-down menu for the hours of operation of an aerothermal heat pump integrated with an air-conditioning system that could maximize the return on your investment.
Good to know:
Projects with a start date on or after October 7, 2024, must be submitted using OSE 5.1. Projects with a start date between October 7, 2024, and March 30, 2025, may be submitted using OSE 4.1. Refer to the OSE page.
Updated Energy Analysis Component
An Energy Analysis is a good starting point for any business that wants to find out how to optimize the energy performance of its buildings. The financial support we offer supports organizations in their efforts.
Customers who want to analyze their demand response can obtain financial support when they combine this assessment with an energy efficiency analysis.
The maximum eligible amount has been increased to $60,000. The ceiling on financial support for analysis projects that cover only energy efficiency is $50,000.
Only businesses with an annual consumption of at least 1 GWh are eligible for financial support for an Energy Analysis.
Our team and business partners are available every step of the way to help you get the most out of the update.
Recap of the six major updates announced last fall
Version 5.0 of the OSE calculation was launched on October 7, 2024. It features several updates that were included in the new OSE 5.1 tool. In case you missed the last update, here’s a recap:
- The financial support has been increased and even doubled for some units of heat pumps like geothermal heat pumps with a mixed water loop system.
- With up to five times more financial support available for some units, technologies to recover and reuse heat from exhaust air or wastewater are more accessible than ever.
- New financial support is available to install equipment that simplifies the implementation of DR management measures and maximizes your credits at the end of winter.
- The new OSE makes it easier to calculate the financial support available to upgrade LED light fixtures. Choose from LED fixtures with DLC rating ($5/fixture) or DLC premium rating ($40/fixture).
- If your building is subject to Rate G or Flex G, the minimum amount of financial support for eligible projects is now $500 instead of $1,000.
- If your project is unconventional, the enhanced Customized Option is your chance to make it happen. The financial support has been increased from $0.30 to $0.45/kWh saved, and the per project cap is now $5M instead of $3M.
