Toronto-based smart home company ecobee today announced two energy saving programs – one with the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) and one with Hydro One – to help strengthen the electricity grid in communities across Ontario by reducing the strain on the grid during periods of high demand.
Residents of Ontario who own a smart thermostat can now earn $75 for enrolling in either the IESO’s Save on Energy Peak Perks program, or the Hydro One myEnergy Rewards program through the Community Energy Savings feature in the ecobee app. Participating customers will experience slight, temporary, and automatic temperature adjustments of a few degrees on their ecobee smart thermostat during periods of high energy demand. These shifts in energy consumption can help create a more reliable and sustainable electricity grid, which benefits customers as well as their local community. Customers will remain in control of their comfort and can opt out of the adjustment at any time, or adjust their settings in the ecobee app to match the impact they want to have.
“At ecobee, we are committed to offering planet positive solutions that address the timely problems customers are facing, such as increasing energy costs and growing demand for electricity,” said Chris Carradine, EVP at ecobee Energy. “As a company that was founded in Ontario, we’re excited to participate in these important energy-saving programs, which will allow more Ontarians to help their communities and automatically save on energy, without sacrificing comfort.”
Community energy savings programs aim to provide an opportunity for customers to play a significant role in the operation of the electricity grid, with the goal of ensuring a cost-effective, sustainable, and reliable electricity system in Ontario.
“Over the next 20 years, the IESO forecasts that demand for electricity will grow 40 percent across Ontario,” said Tam Wagner, Director, Demand Side Management, the IESO. “Energy efficiency programs, which include Peak Perks, are a cost-effective resource that continually help the province meet its electricity demands.”
The Save on Energy Peak Perks program is available to eligible customers across the province of Ontario. Customers will receive a $75 prepaid Mastercard for participating, as well as an additional $20 for each year they stay enrolled in the program starting in 2024, and energy-saving events may take place up to 10 times per year between June and September. Customers who don’t already have a smart thermostat may qualify for a free one as part of Save on Energy’s Energy Affordability Program.
"Hydro One is preparing for a clean energy future and we’re inviting our customers to join us by participating in a new, innovative way to use their thermostats that will help create a greener Ontario and get rewarded for doing so,” said Megan Telford, Executive Vice President, Strategy, Energy Transition and Human Resources. "The demand for clean energy is increasing at a remarkable rate and Hydro One is committed to finding new ways to better optimize our electricity grid so energy remains reliable and cost-effective into the future.”
Hydro One myEnergy Rewards is available to eligible residential customers in Hydro One’s service territory. Customers will receive $75 for participating, and energy-saving events may take place up to 15 times per year. Customers who don’t already have an ecobee smart thermostat can purchase one from the Hydro One myEnergy Rewards Marketplace and automatically pre-enroll in the myEnergy Rewards program, after meeting eligibility criteria. They can also receive a $50 discount on either an in-person installation or a guided virtual installation appointment.
Over the years, ecobee has demonstrated its commitment to improving everyday life while creating a more sustainable world. In North America, ecobee partners with over 100 utilities to offer energy saving programs to customers. Residents of Ontario who are interested in joining one of these programs can learn more at https://www.ecobee.com/en-ca/eco-plus/community-energy-savings/.
