Strategic Energy Management program

What does the SEM program offer?

The program offers organizations a two-year cohort-based learning model to small groups of professionals across Ontario. This cohort-based approach is designed to create a strong focus on learning through shared experiences with other participants, and on developing a continuous performance improvement mindset. In addition, participants will be eligible for financial incentives for energy savings and for purchasing management tools. The three components of the program are set out below.

Cohort learning

Through the cohort model, program participants will receive, at no additional cost:

• facilitated peer learning opportunities, including regular webinars and other collaborative events
• dedicated support, including one-on-one coaching
• online energy management resources, including case studies, etc.

Energy savings incentives

Participants will also receive incentives of $0.02/kWh of electricity savings for implementing eligible measures. These incentives are available for savings from projects that do not receive incentives from another Save on Energy or Ontario ratepayer-funded program.

For example, a participating organization that achieves 200,000 kWh of savings in year 1 and additional savings of 300,000 kWh in year 2 would receive a total of $10,000 in performance incentives – $4,000 for year 1 and $6,000 for year 2.

Program milestone incentives

Additional incentives for energy management tools such as meters and testing kits up to a value of $5,000, are available to participants who reach key program milestones.

What is expected of participating organizations?

Organizations participating in the SEM program are required to do the following:

• identify an energy management team for the program, and designate an energy champion to lead the team
• identify an executive sponsor
• participate regularly in cohort activities
• complete an energy management assessment or an “ISO 50001-Ready” assessment
• set up energy goals and targets and maintain a project registry.

Please refer to the Program Terms and Conditions for all participant requirements.

What are the benefits of the SEM program?

Some of the key benefits of participating in the SEM program include:

• Increased profitability.
  Reduce your operating costs and extend the life of your equipment.
• Increased employee productivity and customer satisfaction.
  Your employees and customers will benefit from your enhanced energy performance.
• Reduced environmental impact.
  Meet your carbon reduction and GHG emission goals and position yourself as a sustainability leader.
• A successful energy management team.
  Set your team up for success for years to come.
• A strong community of energy managers.
  Share learnings and best practices with other like-minded and committed professionals in your industry.

Is the SEM program a fit for my organization?

To qualify for this program, your organization must:

• be an owner or operator of an industrial, commercial or institutional facility
• have its facility/facilities located in Ontario
• have a minimum electricity consumption of 3,000,000 kWh in one year.

Not an industrial, commercial or an institutional business? Visit the programs and incentives page to find the right program for your business.

Key program documents