Is this the beginning of the end for natural gas in Quebec homes? One thing is certain, the almost exclusive distributor of this fossil energy in the province, Énergir, connected half as many homes to its network this year. A “reassuring” climate signal, according to observers.
Only 1,070 homes have been connected to Énergir’s distribution network since 1er last October, according to data sent by the company to the To have to. During the previous fiscal year, there were 2,175 connections. A slight downward trend has been observed for five years, with an annual average of 2,430 connections.
The balance sheet for the current financial year is expected to increase further, until September 30. However, the company confirms that we are indeed seeing the results of its efforts to make fewer connections, in particular to reach its targets for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. “We are aiming for carbon neutrality in the buildings we serve in 2040. We must take action now to achieve this,” explains Catherine Houde, Senior Director of Public Affairs and Community Engagement at Énergir.
Among the gestures made, Mme Houde notes the end of financial assistance for the conversion of oil heating systems to natural gas.
In addition, the company says it no longer extends its network to new residential streets. Newly connected houses therefore connect to pipes already in place. According to Mme Houde, the only extensions concern industrial projects. Generally unprofitable for the company, these network extensions depend on government support, she adds.
The number of commercial, industrial and institutional customer connections also fell this year, but less markedly. There have been 911 connections for 10 months. The average for the previous five years is just over 1,300 connections per year, with a slight downward trend here too.
The use of natural gas in residential, commercial and institutional buildings is responsible for 6% of Quebec’s GHG emissions. On average, heating a home with natural gas emits nearly 10 tonnes of CO2 in the atmosphere per year.
“We are delighted to see such a drop in the residential sector,” says Emmanuel Cosgrove, director of the Écohabitation organization. “Énergir is struggling, despite its efforts to green its image, particularly with renewable natural gas. Quebecers see it clearly and do not get involved in this game.
The price of natural gas, which has doubled since the beginning of the year with the war in Ukraine, is certainly another factor that reduces the appeal of this fossil fuel, observes Pierre-Olivier Pineau, holder of the energy sector at HEC Montréal. The decrease in the number of connections “is a rather reassuring sign for the fight against climate change”, he judges. “Obviously, Énergir cannot claim to fight against climate change and continue to increase its clientele. »
Towards dual energy
A wind of change has been blowing in recent months on the natural gas market in Quebec. Several municipalities are considering the idea of prohibiting the installation of gas systems in new residences. Last spring, the City of Montreal made a commitment in this direction, requiring new construction to be “zero emissions” by 2025.
At the provincial level, a regulation coming into force in 2024 will prohibit the replacement of a residential oil heating system by a device operating “in whole or in part” with a fossil fuel, which obviously includes natural gas. The Ministry of the Environment and the Fight against Climate Change has also confirmed to the To have to that the by-law would not allow the installation of gas furnaces even if they only use renewable natural gas.
Another novelty in the small world of natural gas is the agreement between Énergir and Hydro-Québec regarding dual energy. This agreement provides that Énergir subscribers modify their system to switch to electric heating, except in very cold weather, when their gas furnace would take over. For each customer subscribing to this program, Énergir obtains financial compensation.
Since the official launch of this program in June, 35 contracts with consumers have been signed, reveals Énergir. The company specifies that no “advertising offensive” has been carried out for the moment, but that this should begin in mid-August. She therefore expects an increase in membership in the coming months.
Professor Pineau fears a slow start to the program. “Energy consumers are not very quick to change their habits,” he points out. People dream of having a swimming pool, a new kitchen counter or a new car, but not of changing their heating system. The price will have to be greatly advantageous, he believes.
Extension of the industrial network
While household enthusiasm for natural gas is waning, the Quebec government continues to support the extension of the natural gas network for the benefit of industrial customers.
In the update of its Energy Transition, Innovation and Efficiency Master Plan (2021-2026) made public last June, the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (MERN) provides $15 million for this purpose.
This money corresponds to sums already committed to projects in progress, specifies a spokesperson for the MERN at To have to. These include, for example, extensions to poultry houses, greenhouses or industrial parks. “It is not yet possible to electrify everything, especially in the industrial sector, and we must diversify energy sources in order to increase Quebec’s energy security,” it is explained.
“I think that society and economic players have not yet realized the magnitude of the changes needed to reduce and eliminate our use of hydrocarbons,” concludes Mr. Pineau.