Four reasons why Rate Flex D is a smart choice
Read time: 4 minutes
With the cost of living on the rise, making ends meet can be challenging. Looking for ways to save that don’t involve too many compromises? Rate Flex D could help take the edge off your winter.
Rate Flex D: What is it?
Rate Flex D is a rate offering that applies from December 1 through March 31. The concept is simple: for 95% of the time during this period, the price of electricity will be up to 30% lower than that of the base rate.
What about the remaining 5% of the time, that is, during peak events? During these events, the price will rise to $0.55 per kilowatthour. The idea is to encourage households to use less energy at these times. In other words, in exchange for a minimum of effort during just 5% of the winter period, Rate Flex D saves you money the rest of the winter.
How many hours of peak events might we expect?
It all depends on the weather. If the winter is particularly cold, then Hydro-Québec could ask you to use less electricity for a maximum of 100 hours per season. And the same applies in reverse during a mild winter, when the total number of hours will be less. Don’t worry: you’ll get a break each weekend, as Rate Flex D customers will only ever receive peak demand event notifications from Monday to Friday.
Why choose Rate Flex D?
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Effortless savings
With a little planning, you could save up to 20% on your winter bill. To give you an idea, over the last winter season, Rate Flex D households saved an average of $135 (including taxes).
What’s in it for you? Get a personalized preview by logging into your Customer Space, then going to “Compare rates.” The estimate you get will be based on your actual consumption history.
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You call the shots
Rate Flex D gives you the freedom to choose how to manage your electricity use during winter peaks. Did you know? On very cold days, heating can account for up to 80% of the electricity use of an average Québec household. So, when it’s -30°C, our first impulse is not to turn down the heat. Nevertheless, it’s the best way to reduce electricity demand and save money.
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Contribute to the general good
By curbing your electricity use, you take some of the pressure off the grid, which in turn helps ensure a reliable power supply for the whole population. And during record peaks, you help Hydro-Québec avoid having to import electricity that’s more expensive and less green. In short, it’s good for everyone.
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Build a greener, more carbon-free future
Telling your kids about the importance of saving electricity and contributing to the energy transition helps them form good habits. Minor changes to your routine in exchange for habits that pay off? Definitely a win-win!
Maybe your family knows something about the energy transition already. Why not test your knowledge with this fun quiz?
The right moves at the right time
The night before a peak event, you’ll be notified by email or through the mobile app, which lets you plan your day. Here’s the trick: shift your electricity use to outside the peak event with just a few simple moves:
- Lower your thermostat by at least 2 °C in all rooms right at the start of the event (not before). To make things easier, consider installing smart thermostats!
- Put off using hot water until after the event. Give the little ones a break from bath time and do the dishes later!
- Charge your EV overnight. Take advantage of the programming feature on your vehicle or charger.
- Wait until after the event to use major appliances. Take advantage of the opportunity to use your slow cooker or air fryer.
Monitor your consumption
Track your consumption using the Energy Performance Indicator in your Customer Space. From your current winter performance and savings achieved to past peak demand events, a wealth of information awaits!
Don’t let savings slip through your fingers
Rate Flex D is a budget-friendly option that’s not overly demanding. When savings are this easy, why let them slip through your fingers?
