The Ville de Matane puts its energy to work
Municipal administration – Testimonial from the Ville de Matane
Being energy wise pays off
Credits of $69,643 and $75,610 between 2022 and 2024
Financial assistance of nearly $800,000 for implementing energy‑efficient solutions in municipal buildings
Smart energy management that benefits the community
Matane residents deeply appreciate the quality of life their region provides and are dedicated to preserving its rich natural environment, nestled between the river and mountains. So, when the Ville de Matane team found out about the Demand Response (DR) Option, they recognized a tremendous opportunity to play a tangible role in improving resource use and gain financial flexibility to reinvest funds where they matter most: in citizen services.
Always improving energy efficiency
Optimizing energy use in municipal buildings has been a long‑standing priority for the Ville de Matane, which has continued to build on its efforts year after year. Thanks to this sustained commitment, the municipality has secured nearly $800,000 in financial assistance through the Efficient Solutions Program and reinvested the sums in concrete measures: installing heat pumps, replacing energy‑intensive lighting with LED fixtures, adding variable‑speed drives, implementing thermal storage and heat recovery systems and improving building envelopes. Each measure is part of a broader strategy to reduce energy use while keeping tighter control over municipal costs.
But Matane didn't stop there. It was also among the first municipalities in Québec to participate in Hydro‑Québec's DR Option and receive credits when it reduces its electricity use during peak demand events in winter.
When Hydro‑Québec account representative Donald Boucher explained that simple, low‑cost measures could help reduce the power demand of municipal buildings during peak demand periods, building foreman David Desrosiers, Public Works Coordinator – Buildings and Electricity, immediately saw the savings potential of the DR Option for his sector.
Indeed, Matane owns several buildings with significant potential for optimization, so Mr. Desrosiers presented the idea to the city's management team, which was quick to get on board.
Steady progress, year after year
Once the plan was approved, the Ville de Matane began by enrolling three water treatment facilities in the DR Option. The two well buildings and pumping station, which were already equipped with generators, simplified the transition during winter peak demand events and ensured the continuity of essential services.
Encouraged by the positive initial results, the municipal team, in collaboration with Hydro‑Québec, gradually added more facilities to the DR Option, including administrative offices and the arena, swimming pool, municipal garage and city hall. By 2024, Matane had successfully reduced the power demand in eight buildings.
Today, the municipality relies on energy management systems to preheat buildings ahead of peak periods and automate the demand response measures.
"These measures are easy to carry out," explained Stéphan Caron, water treatment coordinator. "Shutdowns are managed through centralized controls or manually. Interruptions only last a few hours each year, and the credits we receive are well worth it."
Tangible results for the community
Since signing up for the DR Option, Matane has achieved energy savings totalling 15,859.1 kW during peak demand events—enough to power 2,265 homes for an entire year.
As more municipal buildings were added, the credits received by the municipality also continued to rise, reaching $69,643 at the end of winter 2022–2023 and $75,610 at the end of winter 2023–2024 for an 8.5% increase. This amount represents nearly 7% of Matane's annual building maintenance budget.
"We're proud to work for Matane," said David Desrosiers. "It's important to maximize the savings and give back to the community. It's a way to make sure every dollar is well invested. Everyone in Matane benefits, and we have the satisfaction of a job well done!"
Valuable support from Hydro‑Québec
The success of the initiative owes much to the support received from Hydro‑Québec. "The close collaboration we've developed with Mr. Boucher over the years has enabled us to continuously refine our approach, implement effective solutions and yield better results."
Mr. Boucher highlights that Matane has always welcomed suggestions and new ideas. "It's been motivating to work with the municipal team over the years," he said. "Our conversations are always constructive and lead to meaningful improvements. Everyone here is genuinely committed to serving their fellow citizens. There's a real dedication not only to the community but also to responsible resource management."
A model to inspire other municipalities
Better energy management, increased savings, a smaller environmental footprint and more funds for the community…Matane's experience is proof positive that the DR Option is a winning strategy at all levels.
"All municipalities would benefit from getting involved," said Mr. Desrosiers. "All you have to do is start with simple measures and gradually build on them. With tight budgets, the DR Option is a smart solution that enables us to do more for citizens while embracing our responsibilities."
About the Ville de Matane
In Matane, nature and human ingenuity coexist in harmony. Nestled between the river and mountains, it is a city of connections and contrasts, blending tradition and innovation, small city living, industry and resource preservation. The municipal administration ensures every decision aligns with a sustainable vision, striking a balance between economic growth and respect for the environment. Using resources responsibly and reducing the municipality's ecological footprint are key commitments.
Building on its unique geographic location, Matane leverages its natural assets and citizen engagement to create a prosperous and eco‑responsible future.
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