XLerate Program

No. Other organizations such as municipal, institutional and health care may also apply to the XLerate program, provided their proposed project meets all other program requirements.

No. At the feasibility stage, projects cannot substantiate with sufficient confidence what system would have been implemented in the absence of XLerate support. These projects may still be considered at the project incentive stage, when the likely base case can be more clearly demonstrated.

Yes. Multiple projects at the same facility may be eligible for incentives if each project meets the program requirements and provides distinct, measurable savings. The IESO will review each application individually to confirm eligibility and cost-effectiveness.

These projects are eligible provided they:

1. relate to the same general system (e.g. a central chiller plant);
2. can be measured within a single M&V measurement boundary and;
3. are expected to deliver combined >600 MWh of Anticipated Electricity Savings

The IESO can choose to fund studies for multiple projects at the same facility. The IESO is responsible for and will consider the project cost effectiveness when making such decisions.

No. Applications use IESO-provided templates and submission instructions.

These can be found on the XLerate program key documents section of the page.

See the XLerate program guide, Section 4: Application Process.

Yes. The project application form (tab 4) in the XLerate application workbook is used for and references the applicable Terms and Conditions for all projects. The Terms and Conditions are available on the XLerate program key documents section of the page.

At least 600 MWh/year of anticipated electricity savings.

The technical reviewer conducts an independent solvency review. If they are unable to obtain the necessary information through public channels, the technical reviewer may request financial information from the applicant, as appropriate to the application.

No. Distinct projects at individual facilities may not be aggregated to meet the 600MWh threshold.

Yes, provided that the participant can clearly demonstrate that the proposed efficient process or facility is more efficient than a hypothetical base case option that would have been selected in the absence of the XLerate program incentive.

An application for PFS or project funding must be submitted prior to entering into any binding purchase commitment (e.g. issuing a purchase order).

Participants are encouraged to wait for approval of their applications prior to entering into such commitments, however can proceed after submission at their own risk.

The XLerate program is intended to provide financial support for organizations to implement large, complex, capital-intensive projects that provide a minimum of 600 MWh of electricity savings. To accomplish this, the XLerate program has higher energy-based performance incentives versus Retrofit ($300/MWh vs $200/MWh) and provides exclusive PFS funding.

Efficient electrification projects are eligible if the participant can clearly demonstrate that the chosen electric option is more efficient than the alternative electric option that could and would have been selected in the absence of the XLerate program incentive.

The technical reviewer supports participants in developing M&V plans and reports. They also review these deliverables for approval.

If data gaps occur, participants should document the cause, quantify the duration and impact, and notify the technical reviewer as soon as possible. Depending on the severity, the reporting period may be extended, or missing data may be extrapolated using approved methods consistent with the M&V plan.

Yes. While the new rules have streamlined many of the application and supporting information requirements, baseline measurement is still required prior to making any changes to the system to create the M&V plan at the application stage.

The M&V plan should be drafted early and provided as part of the project application to ensure proper metering and baseline data collection. It must be reviewed and approved by the technical reviewer before the project letter of approval is issued.

Participants should inform the technical reviewer immediately if operational changes could affect energy performance. Significant changes may require an update to the M&V plan or revised calculations to maintain compliance.

Yes. Consultants may prepare and submit reports, but the participant remains responsible for ensuring accuracy, completeness, and compliance with program requirements.

Participants with questions about completing or adapting the IESO M&V plan template should email XLerate@ieso.ca. The technical reviewer or IESO representative will provide guidance to ensure the plan aligns with program requirements and is appropriate for the project in question.

The M&V reporting period is the period used for final determination of the project’s savings, concluding with the issue of the Y1 M&V report. The contract term is the period for which the Terms and Conditions are enforced.

For PFS: Following acceptance of the PFS Report by the IESO. See XLerate Program Guide, Section 5.2.1 for further details.

For Project incentives: Following approval of Q1 and Y1 M&V Reports, provided performance thresholds are met. See XLerate Program Guide, Section 5.2.2.1 for further details.

Incentives are based on verified savings. If verified savings are lower than anticipated, the incentive will be reduced proportionally. Participants must achieve at least 50% of anticipated savings to be eligible for payment.

Based on the current structure of the Save on Energy XLerate Program and a recent tax assessment applicable to the Program, invoices submitted to the IESO for incentive payments should not include HST. However, HST paid to suppliers and/or vendors may be included as part of eligible project or study costs, in accordance with the Program Requirements.

Participants are responsible for determining their own tax obligations and should consult their tax advisor regarding their specific circumstances.