In Quebec, most apartments are heated with electricity, and in many of them, the tenant pays Hydro-Québec directly. That makes electricity one of the biggest costs to plan for after rent, especially in winter.
This guide explains what an apartment electricity bill typically costs in 2026, how the latest rate increase affects it, the difference between "heated" and "non-heated" listings, and how to estimate the cost of a specific apartment before signing a lease.
The short answer
- An average apartment uses about 12,000 kWh a year, which works out to roughly $1,133 a year, or about $94 a month, at 2026 rates (Hydro-Québec estimate).
- An electrically heated 5½ of about 68 m² costs roughly $77 a month on average, based on the Régie de l'énergie's 2026 figures.
- Rates rose 3% on April 1, 2026, adding about $2.30 a month for a typical 5½. Further increases of 3% (2027) and 2.6% (2028) are planned.
- Winter bills are much higher than summer bills in electrically heated units. Hydro-Québec's equal payments plan spreads the cost evenly over the year.
- Before signing, you can check what a specific apartment usually costs with Hydro-Québec, using its address and postal code.
Who pays for electricity in a Quebec apartment?
It depends on the lease, and listings usually say so clearly:
- Non chauffé, non éclairé (not heated, not lit): the tenant opens an account with Hydro-Québec and pays for heating and electricity directly. This is the most common arrangement.
- Chauffé (heated): heating is included in the rent, but the tenant may still pay for other electricity, such as lights and appliances.
- Chauffé, éclairé (heated and lit) or tout inclus (all included): heating and electricity are both included in the rent.
What is included is written in the lease. Our Quebec standard lease guide explains where to find it.
How much is the average bill?
Hydro-Québec's own estimates give a good benchmark. Here is the estimated annual electricity use and cost by housing type in 2026, listed as housing type · annual use · annual cost · average per month:
- Apartment or condo: 12,000 kWh · $1,133 · $94
- Row house: 15,500 kWh · $1,576 · $131
- Semi-detached house: 18,500 kWh · $1,967 · $164
- Detached house: 22,500 kWh · $2,472 · $206
For a more specific apartment example, the Régie de l'énergie estimated that the 2026 increase adds about $2.30 a month for an electrically heated 5½ of 68 m². Since the increase was 3%, that implies an average bill of roughly $77 a month, or about $920 a year, for that unit.
Smaller apartments generally cost less, but size is only one factor. A well-insulated 4½ in the middle of a building can cost less to heat than a drafty 3½ on the top floor.
What changed in 2026
- A 3% increase took effect on April 1, 2026, for residential customers.
- The fixed daily access charge was frozen at its April 2025 level, so the increase applies to the electricity you use.
- The price of the second consumption block rose twice as much as the first. In practice, the more electricity a household uses, the more the increase is felt.
- Next steps: the Régie has set provisional increases of 3% for April 2027 and 2.6% for April 2028.
What makes an apartment's bill higher or lower
- Heating: in electrically heated units, heating is by far the biggest share of the bill, and it is concentrated between November and March.
- Location in the building: units on the top floor, on a corner or above an unheated space usually need more heating than units in the middle.
- Windows and insulation: older windows and drafts increase heating needs. Newer buildings are usually more efficient.
- Hot water: if the unit has its own electric water heater, hot water is on your bill.
- Number of occupants and appliances: more people, more laundry and more cooking all add up.
- Thermostats: electronic or smart thermostats help keep temperatures steady and reduce waste.
How to estimate the cost before you sign
- Check whether heating and electricity are included. If the listing says "non chauffé, non éclairé", plan for a separate Hydro-Québec bill.
- Look up the unit's usual consumption. Hydro-Québec lets future tenants see an estimate of a dwelling's electricity costs, based on past use. You will need the unit's civic number and postal code.
- Add it to the rent. When comparing two listings, compare the rent plus the estimated monthly electricity cost, not the rent alone.
- Ask a few simple questions during the visit. What type of heating is it? Is there a separate water heater? When were the windows replaced?
Heated vs non-heated: which is better?
Both have advantages.
- Heated or all-included units make budgeting simple: one fixed payment, with no winter surprises.
- Non-heated units give you control: you pay for what you use, and careful habits can keep the bill low.
The best choice depends on your budget and how you live. Comparing the total monthly cost is what matters.
Tips for renters
- Sign up for equal payments. Hydro-Québec's equal payments plan spreads your yearly cost over 12 months, so winter bills don't hit all at once.
- Set up your account before moving day. Open or transfer your Hydro-Québec account a few days before you move in.
- Keep the heat steady. Lowering the temperature a few degrees at night or when you're away saves more than turning the heat off and on.
- Report problems early. If a window doesn't close properly or a heater isn't working, let your landlord know quickly so it can be fixed before the cold sets in.
Tips for landlords
- State clearly what is included. Writing "chauffé", "non chauffé" or "tout inclus" in the title of your listing saves time for everyone.
- Share an estimate. Mentioning the unit's typical monthly electricity cost reassures renters, especially newcomers who are not familiar with Quebec winters.
- Consider efficiency upgrades. New windows, insulation and electronic thermostats lower heating costs and make units more attractive. Under the TAL's rent-setting rules, certain energy-efficiency work can be taken into account as major work. Our TAL rent increase guide explains how.
- Prepare units before winter. Checking heaters, weatherstripping and windows in the fall helps avoid service calls in January.
New to Quebec apartments? Our guide to Quebec apartment sizes (3½, 4½, 5½) explains the listing terms. You can also browse apartments for rent in Montreal, Laval and Trois-Rivières.
FAQ
How much is Hydro-Québec for an apartment per month?
Hydro-Québec estimates that an average apartment or condo uses about 12,000 kWh a year, or roughly $94 a month at 2026 rates. Actual bills vary with the size of the unit, heating, insulation and how many people live there.
How much does electricity cost for a 4½ in Quebec?
There is no official figure for a 4½, but it usually falls between a small apartment and the Régie's example of an electrically heated 5½, which costs roughly $77 a month on average. The best way to know is to check that unit's past consumption with Hydro-Québec.
What does "non chauffé, non éclairé" mean?
It means heating and electricity are not included in the rent. The tenant opens an account with Hydro-Québec and pays the bill directly.
Did Hydro-Québec rates go up in 2026?
Yes. Residential rates increased by 3% on April 1, 2026. Provisional increases of 3% in 2027 and 2.6% in 2028 have also been set.
Why is my electricity bill so high in winter?
Most Quebec apartments are heated with electricity, so heating makes up most of the bill between November and March. Hydro-Québec's equal payments plan can spread the cost evenly over the year.
Can I see an apartment's electricity costs before renting it?
Yes. Hydro-Québec lets future tenants see an estimate of a dwelling's electricity costs based on past consumption, using the address and postal code.
Sources
- Régie de l'énergie – 2026–2028 rate decision (March 16, 2026)
- Régie de l'énergie – Update on electricity rates (April 7, 2026)
- Noovo Info – Hydro-Québec rate increase: estimated bills by housing type
- Noovo Info – The Régie publishes its decision
- Hydro-Québec – 2026–2028 rate application presentation
- Cégep de Rivière-du-Loup – Apartment search tips
