Update on the number of interruption days

Due to the slightly colder than normal temperatures observed this winter, the year 2017–2018 ended with a greater number of interruption days than initially forecast.
Under normal temperatures, the forecasted number of interruption days was between 5 and 12 days. However, the unprecedented eight-day cold snap which occurred from December 27, 2017 to January 3, 2018, led to a spike in the number of interruption days. This situation resulted in the actual number of interruption days being between 15 and 22, based on the sub-tariffs.

The following graph illustrates the actual, forecasted and maximum number of days per sub-tariff for winter 2017–2018 .

Thermal power plants: A starting point for energy efficiency

Over half of our Major Industries customers have a thermal plant that produces steam (also called a steam boiler room). Did you know that this type of equipment is a good starting point for energy-saving projects?

Here are two examples of measures adopted by some of our customers to get energy savings from their thermal plant:
  • Recovering heat from boiler combustion products
    Heat recovery can be used to heat make-up water, combustion air or process fluid. The technology chosen can result in savings of up to 10% of the natural gas consumed by the thermal plant, with the payback period possibly being as short as two years.
  • Installing a combustion control system (micro modulation, oxygen or CO2 probe).
    This limits excess air and results in efficient combustion, regardless of the boiler’s operating speed. Savings of up to 5% can be achieved, and the payback period varies from one to five years.

Given the popularity of this type of measure, the Natural Gas Technologies Centre (NGTC) has developed a thermal plant performance analysis tool. A public version will be available in June 2018. Don’t hesitate to contact your advisor if you are interested in carrying out energy-saving projects.

Cap-and-trade (C&T) system news

End of 2015-2017 compliance period and call for interest

The C&T system’s second compliance period, for 2015 to 2017, is now over. Covered establishments have until November 1, 2018 to deposit emission allowances in sufficient quantities into their CITSS compliance account to meet their obligations.

The excess emission allowances may be kept for the new compliance period (2018–2020), for which the obligation to surrender the emission allowances must be respected by November 1, 2021.

In some cases, there could be benefits for participants to sell their excess emission allowances rather than keep them until 2021, so as to:

  • Generate liquidity for energy efficiency or other investment projects;
  • Generate savings by purchasing other emission allowances by 2021 at a discounted cost lower than the cost of keeping them;
  • Generate savings by purchasing offset credits at lower prices than for excess emission units (up to the allowable limit of 8%).

We invite you to contact us once you have calculated your final emissions for 2017, so as to discuss offers to purchase your excess emission units.
For any questions or to indicate your interest, please email Hugo Levert, Carbon Market Senior Advisor, or call him at 514 598-3186.

* Énergir does not act as an advisor in applying the C&T system. As such, this newsletter must not be considered a recommendation on whether to trade or not trade emission allowances.

Cap-and-trade (C&T) system news

Reminder of May 1, 2018 deadline for voluntary participation

As we specified in the February 2018 Major Industries Blue Bulletin , the C&T system regulation now provides an option allowing establishments issuing between 10,000 and 24,999 tonnes of GHGs a year to voluntarily comply with the C&T system. Depending on your situation, this option could generate major savings.

We therefore remind you that if you wish to take advantage of this new option as of 2019, you have until May 1, 2018 to notify the MDDELCC of your intention. Don’t miss your chance!

Replacement of an analog telephone system with an IP system

A number of customers are contemplating replacing their analog telephone lines with an IP system. Please note that there is a compatibility issue between IP systems and our telemetry system, preventing receipt of hourly consumption data.

If you intend to switch your telephone line to an IP system, we would ask that you keep an analog line for our telemetry equipment if possible. If this is not a viable solution for you, it is essential that you contact us before making any changes so as to avoid any loss of consumption data.

Don’t hesitate to forward this email to the group responsible for your telephone systems.

Please contact your advisor should you have any questions.

Customer satisfaction survey: Your opinion counts

During the week of May 14, you will receive an email invitation to participate in a survey on your satisfaction as an Énergir Major Industries customer. As usual, an external firm will contact you.

Your participation in this survey is very important as it allows us to continually improve our performance and provide you with services that meet your expectations. Thank you in advance for your cooperation.