Energy and Natural Resources
On May 16, 2018, Québec’s Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources tabled a draft regulation to modify the existing Regulation respecting the energy efficiency of electrical or hydrocarbon-fueled appliances. The draft regulation is published in the Gazette officielle du Québec for a period of 45 days, until June 30, 2018. These updates aim to align provincial standards with evolving federal and international benchmarks, targeting reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower consumer energy costs. Manufacturers of products like water heaters, furnaces, and industrial cooking equipment must prepare for tightened testing protocols and reporting requirements.
Key Proposed Changes
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Expanded Scope: New efficiency tiers for residential heat pumps and commercial refrigeration units.
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Testing Rigor: Mandatory third-party validation for standby power consumption in appliances.
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Compliance Timelines: Phased implementation for legacy products, with full enforcement by 2020.
Stakeholder Impact
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Manufacturers: Must retest products against updated metrics like seasonal energy efficiency ratios (SEER) and annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE).
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Retailers: Required to verify Québec-specific efficiency labels before sale.
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Importers: Face heightened documentation checks for customs clearance.
Internal Resources
External Reference
Review the full draft regulation:
Gazette officielle du Québec – Draft Regulation
Steps for Proactive Compliance
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Gap Analysis: Compare current product specs against proposed thresholds using LabTest’s preliminary design review.
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Retesting: Partner with accredited labs for updated efficiency validations.
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Documentation: Prepare technical files demonstrating conformity with CSA, UL, or ISO 50001 standards.
Why These Updates Matter
Québec’s initiative mirrors broader North American trends, including Canada’s Energy Efficiency Act and California’s Title 24. Non-compliance risks market access loss or fines up to CAD 100,000 per violation.
