Oakville Hydro Corporation
What is the peaksaver® program?
Electricity distributors, along with support from the Ontario Power Authority, are making it simple for Ontarians to do their part to ease the strain on the electricity system during summer peak demand times. With the peaksaver® program, you can help reduce the strain on the electricity system during peak summer demand times by reducing your electricity consumption.
The peaksaver® program is administered by Honeywell Canada on behalf of Oakville Hydro.
How does the program work?
With the permission of the eligible customer, Oakville Hydro will install a device that allows central air conditioning electricity use to be briefly reduced during peak demand times — typically weekday afternoons during the hottest days of the summer — and it is unlikely to occur on holidays or weekends. We anticipate that the system will be activated approximately five times per summer.
Why is this initiative happening?
Ontario's electricity use is growing. Population growth and increases in use of electrical devices will cause increasing demand. This demand can be met by building more generating stations, but that is expensive and has environmental implications. An alternative way to allow for growth is to help Ontarians use electricity as efficiently as possible; using only the electricity they need and, where possible, avoiding using it at times when the peak demand for electricity is highest. This saves Ontarians money and reduces impact on the environment.
Can I enroll in the peaksaver® program?
Any residential Oakville Hydro customer who has central air conditioning is eligible for the peaksaver® program. You must own the home or building.
Which of my home appliances are eligible for peaksaver®?
Currently only central air conditioning qualifies.
I have a window air conditioner; can I participate in the program?
No, the program is currently limited to customers with central air conditioning systems.
I already have a high-efficiency AC system should I bother participating in this program?
Although a high-efficiency system uses less electricity than an older or less-efficient system, any and all electricity savings are helpful during a peak-use period.
What do I do if I don't own the property? Can I still enroll?
Yes, you can still enroll. Customers who do not own the property require a letter of permission from the owner/landlord to have the thermostat installed at your residence.
I live in a town home, am I eligible?
If your unit has a separate central air conditioning unit, you are eligible for the program.
Do I have to participate?
This is a voluntary program. We're confident that you will find that peaksaver® is an easy way to help reduce the strain on our electricity system and benefit the environment.
Do I receive anything for participating?
Apart from reducing the strain on the electricity system and helping the environment, a $25 incentive will be provided to customers who sign up for the peaksaver® program and have the device installed. You will be offered a programmable thermostat and the installation at no cost.
How will I receive my rebate money?
The $25 incentive rebate cheque will be mailed to your home.
Can I really make a difference by participating?
Yes. By participating, you, and thousands of others, will allow us to reduce the strain on the electrical system during peak periods. By doing very little on your part, you are making a significant contribution to conserving electricity and helping to improve our environment. We expect that the peaksaver® program will reduce the demand on the electrical system. This means there will be less need to buy peak demand electricity and that saves everyone money by keeping electricity prices low.
What does the environment have to do with it?
In periods where electricity demand is very high, it becomes more likely that we will rely on coal-fired plants to meet the shortfall. Coal-fired plants release greenhouse gases and contribute to air pollution.
Couldn't we still have brownouts or blackouts anyway? Does this really make a difference?
Every individual that participates is helping to make brownouts and blackouts less and less likely so the more people participating, the better!
Will it cost me anything to participate?
It will not cost you anything to participate and there is no maintenance cost. Just for signing up and having the device installed, you will receive $25.
How much money could the peaksaver® program potentially save me?
Direct savings from the program will be noticed over time. However, this program will save everyone money by keeping the cost of electricity lower.
Do business customers have access to a program similar to peaksaver®?
Yes, we offer similar programs for business customers. For example, there is a program being developed where companies sign contracts to reduce their electricity consumption during peak periods.
Do I have to be home when peaksaver® is installed?
Yes, installing the thermostat requires an appointment for the installation and a few minutes with the installing technician for instruction on the programmable aspect of the peaksaver® thermostat.
I don't want strangers in my house. How will I know if the people who arrive are legitimate?
We can understand your concern for security. Rest assured that the installation will be done by qualified installers working on behalf of Oakville Hydro. When the installers come to your door you can ask them to produce identification that will show that they are working on behalf of Oakville Hydro.
What if they break my system? Will they pay to fix it?
The installation will be done by qualified installers working on behalf of Oakville Hydro. They are well trained and will carry appropriate liability insurance.
What about other damage to my home such as too much dryness? Who is liable?
The device installed only reduces the air conditioner's electricity usage during the peak times of the day and does not otherwise change the air conditioner's operation.
Will you have access to any other systems in my house? Will you be able to control my whole house?
No, we will not have access to any other system in your house. We will only have access to the central air conditioning.
Won't it be sweltering when I get home?
Residents who have participated in the program say they hardly noticed when the cycle-down has taken place. The peaksaver® event is typically transparent to the participant over the approximately four-hour period.
Won't there be a power surge when it comes back on?
No, the technology takes this into account. Plus, the remotely-controlled devices only reduce the electricity use but do not turn off the air conditioners. Also, the air conditioners participating in the program are managed randomly to avoid a power surge.
Can I ask that the AC not be turned down on a certain day, for a certain event?
Yes, participants will be able to opt-out in advance of an event by notifying peaksaver® customer assistance at 1.866.514.6778 advising the time during which they prefer not to be activated.
If I am unhappy with peaksaver®, can I stop being part of the program?
Yes, if for whatever reason you are not happy, please contact peaksaver® customer assistance at 1.866.514.6778 to speak to a representative.
Do I have to adjust my thermostat or change any other settings?
No, participating in the program is easy and requires no effort, time or investment.
Who do I call when I have questions or problems?
Any questions can be directed to peaksaver® customer assistance at 1.866.514.6778.
