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Tell me about the peaksaver program.
Local electricity distribution companies (LDCs) are responsible for the safe delivery of electricity. They have the support of the Ontario Power Authority to look for ways to reduce our electricity use, particularly during the peak demand times in summer. When Ontarians sign up for the peaksaver program they’re helping to lessen the stress on the electricity grid when demand is the highest. This program helps Ontario meet its peak electricity needs.
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Who can enrol in the peaksaver program?
Any residential customer of a participating LDC with central air conditioning is eligible for the peaksaver program. You must own your home or building, or have approval from your landlord to participate.

If you’re a business customer, you could be eligible if your air conditioners and water heater are about the same size and type as the ones used by residential customers. If you have your landlord or property manager's approval to participate, that’s great. Have them contact us and we’ll get you enrolled in the program.
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How does the program work?
As an eligible customer, you would give your LDC permission to install a device that would allow the LDC to briefly reduce the central air conditioning electricity usage during peak demand times. These times are typically weekday afternoons during the hottest days of the summer, and it is highly unlikely to occur on holidays or weekends. Over the course of a summer, it’s anticipated that the system would be activated about five times.
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When does the program launch?
The program launch date varies by participating LDC. To find this and other information, please visit your LDC’s website. Not sure about the name of your LDC? Just use our lookup tool.
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Is there an incentive for participating?
By participating in the program you’ll be doing your part to reduce the strain on the electricity system and doing something important for the environment. Once you’ve signed up and had the device installed, we’ll be happy to recognize your participation with a $25 incentive. Depending on where you are and the technology available in your area, a programmable thermostat or a switch will be offered (your local electric utility will decide).
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How will my money be given to me?
Depending on the LDC – your $25 will either show up as a credit on your bill or a cheque will be mailed to you.
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Will it cost me anything to participate?
It won’t cost you a thing and there are no maintenance costs. Instead, just for signing up and having the device installed, you’ll receive $25.
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Could the peaksaver program save me money?
While you won’t see direct savings on your bill, this program will save everyone money by keeping the cost of electricity lower.
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As one household or business, is it really possible to make a difference by participating?
Absolutely! 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 to reduce the demand on the electrical system. This means there will be less need to buy peak demand electricity that saves everyone money by keeping electricity prices low.
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What if I don't own the house or business? Can I still enrol?
You sure can. If you don’t own the property, just get permission from the owner/landlord to have the switch or thermostat installed.
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Won't it be sweltering when I get home?
Residents who participated last summer told us that they hardly noticed when the cycle-down had taken place. The peaksaver event is typically transparent to the participant during the four-hour period because there is only a very small rise in temperature. Remember that air conditioners are only turned down, not off entirely.
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Will there be a power surge when it comes back on?
No, because the technology takes this into account. The remotely controlled devices reduce the electricity usage but don’t turn off the air-conditioners. As well, the air-conditioners participating in the program are managed randomly which also works to avoid a power surge.
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Am I eligible if I live in a town home?
If your unit has a separate central air conditioning unit, then you’re eligible to participate in the program.
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Businesses must use much more electricity than residential customers. Why are regular homeowners asked to take these measures?
Everyone can help reduce strain on the electrical system. peaksaver is targeted at homes and small business but there are many conservation programs for commercial properties and industry as well. For example, there is a program similar to peaksaver wherein companies sign contracts to reduce their electricity consumption during peak periods.
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Do I have to participate?
The program is entirely voluntary. We're confident that people will find it to be an easy way to help reduce the strain on our electricity system and benefit the environment.
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Will you have access to any other systems in my house? Will you be able to control my whole house?
Absolutely not. We will not have access to any other system in your house. We will only have access to the central air conditioning and electric hot water heater if you opt to have these items included.
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Do I have to be home when this is installed?
That will depend on your utility and the type of equipment they are installing to manage the program. If your utility installs a switch then you won’t need to be home but if they’re installing a thermostat then you will need to make an appointment to be home for that installation.
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I'm not comfortable with 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 your LDC. When the installers come to your door feel free to ask them for identification to prove that they are working on behalf of your LDC.
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What if they break my system? Will they pay to fix it?
The installation will be done by qualified installers working on behalf of your LDC. They are well trained and will carry appropriate liability insurance.
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What about other damage to my home such as too much dryness? Who is liable?
At the time of installation, the installation professionals will assess whether your home is suitable for the program. Since the device that’s installed only reduces the air-conditioner's electricity usage during the peak times of the day and it doesn’t change the operation of your air-conditioner.
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What does the environment have to do with it?
In periods where demand for electricity is very high, it becomes more likely that we will rely on gas and coal-fired plants to meet the shortfall. These plants release greenhouse gases and contribute to air pollution.
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Couldn't we still have brownouts or blackouts anyway? Does this really make a difference?
Every individual and business that participates is helping to make brownouts and blackouts less and less likely so the more people participating, the better!
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Why do the OPA and my LDC have this program anyway?
We are always looking for ways to help our customers and our province conserve electricity to ensure a continual. Programs like peaksaver help everyone in the long run by reducing the pressures on our electricity system. peaksaver will help to reduce the emissions caused by electricity generation.
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Which of my home appliances are eligible for peaksaver? Who chooses this?
You must have central air conditioning to participate. Residential customers can also volunteer electric water heaters for the program. Along with central A/C units, commercial customers can also volunteer electric water heaters.
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How do I request that my equipment not be controlled for a particular date?
If you would like to opt out on a particular date, please contact your LDC and someone will be able to answer your questions and schedule the exemption.
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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 your LDC to speak to a representative.
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What happens if I'm using an appliance during the time it will be shut off?
For air conditioners and electric water heaters, you will not need to do anything. The only difference may be a very slight difference in temperature - most people won’t notice a change at all.
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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.
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Who do I call when I have questions or problems?
Your questions are always welcomed. Questions about this program can be directed to your LDC.
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If I only have a room air conditioner can still I participate in the program?
No. As it stands now, the program is currently limited to customers with central air conditioning systems and electric water heaters.
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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.
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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 their respective LDC of a time during which they prefer not to be activated.
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Tell me about the other programs to save electricity that are available to homeowners now.
Yes there are currently 3 programs being run by the Ontario Power Authority that you may be interested in: