Guide to saving during winter peaks
4 minutes reading
As thousands of customers signed up for Hilo and Rate Flex D can attest, it’s easy to help reduce winter peaks. But which actions have the greatest impact? Read on to learn which habits can lead to cash rewards or credits on your electricity bill.
1. Heat more wisely and maintain your comfort
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.
On very cold days, heating can account for up to 80% of the electricity use of an average Québec household.
With Hilo
The simplest way to do your part is to participate in Hilo challenges. All you need to do is choose a setting (Moderate, Intrepid or Extreme) and the smart thermostats do the rest. When you select the preheating option, the baseboards will operate more before the winter peak and less during that period. A comfortable temperature will be maintained during the challenge and most of the time, you won’t even notice the difference!
With Rate Flex D
The same is true with Rate Flex D, except that you will have to adjust or program your thermostats yourself. We recommend maintaining a comfortable temperature during the night before the peak event. To save money, you have to lower the temperature setting on all your thermostats by at least 2°C at the beginning of the peak period, but not before. Remember to close the doors of all the rooms you’re not using. The less electricity you use during the peak period, the more money you save!
2. Use less hot water and put off using it until after the peak period
After heating, hot water is next in line when it comes to high electricity consumption. Hot water can account for up to 20% of your annual electricity use. To prevent your water heater from operating during the winter peak and undermining your efforts, delay using your dishwasher and washing machine until after the winter peaks—or program them to turn on once the peak period is over. If you absolutely have to do laundry, opt for handwashing or use cold water.
Between 80% and 90% of the electricity a washing machine consumes is used for heating water, and hot water cycles require up to 18 times more electricity than cold water cycles.
Obviously, the best habit to adopt is to also delay taking showers, but if that’s not possible, consider taking a short shower instead of a long, hot bath. Did you know? A half‑filled bathtub uses 33% more hot water than a 7 minute shower.

3. Give your range a break
Some appliances, such as the kitchen range, are particularly energy-intensive. To maximize your savings, avoid heating food in the oven: use small appliances during winter peaks. In comparison, a slow cooker uses up to 80% less electricity, and you can cook your meal before the winter peak begins! You can also opt to use your toaster oven, microwave or air fryer, as they consume significantly less electricity.
4. Charge your car at the right time
If you have an electric car, remember to program the charging time outside winter peaks. Certain EVduty charger models can even be connected to the Hilo application to maximize your rewards during Hilo challenges.
Small things will help you save!
In winter 2023—2024, households that adopted these good habits saved on average $135 with Rate Flex D. Households that participated in Hilo challenges also accumulated an average of $135 in cash rewards. For Québec as a whole, curtailment efforts during winter peak periods are equivalent to the total output of Romaine‑1 generating station.
All these small actions make a big difference. Imagine if millions of Quebecers did their part!