Save during winter peak periods Using less electricity during winter peaks is a winning solution

What’s a winter peak period?

In Québec, they usually occur on cold days, when we’re all using a lot of electricity at the same time and the grid is overloaded. Fortunately, winter peaks only happen a few days a year, from 6 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m.

What’s the solution?

Hydro‑Québec has offers that reward you when you shift your electricity use outside peak periods to help spread out demand more evenly.

Save on your bill when you sign up for dynamic pricing and earn cash rewards when you opt for the Hilo smart home service.

How to save during winter peaks

  • Make small changes and use devices you already have at home

    See how much I could save

    Potential savings

    Choose the Winter Credit Option to lower your electricity bill without risk or Rate Flex D to maximize your savings. Last winter, customers signed up for dynamic pricing who took the right steps saved an average of $80.

    How it works

    Take action to reduce your electricity use during peak demand events.

    Equipment required

    You already have everything you need at home!

    Learn more about dynamic pricing

  • Save year-round and take part in challenges to lower your electricity use

    Estimate my savings 

    Potential savings

    With Hilo, you could save up to 15% on your annual electricity bill and earn cash rewards by taking part in Hilo challenges. Last winter, participating customers earned an average of $140 in rewards.

    How it works

    Take part in Hilo challenges in moderate, intrepid or extreme mode. Your thermostats’ settings will be adjusted automatically.

    Equipment required

    You’ll need a Hilo starter kit, Hilo smart thermostats or any other compatible device (thermostat, EV charging station, etc.).

    Learn more about Hilo

Compare dynamic pricing and Hilo to make an informed decision.

Compare dynamic pricing and Hilo

Why make a collective effort during winter peak periods?

By reducing our consumption during winter peaks, we are supporting the electrification of sectors in Québec that currently rely on fossil fuels.

In addition, we are helping to limit the purchase of costly and less sustainable electricity from neighboring markets and reducing future investments on the grid that would be necessary to meet the growing demand for electricity for only a few hours a year. This helps us to reduce our electricity bill and the pressure on electricity rates.

Positive results across Québec

During winter 2022‑2023, participating residential and business customers reduced power demand by 2,093.5 MW during each peak. That’s practically equivalent to the capacity of La Grande‑2‑A generating station!

  • Every household counts

    268.5 MW curtailed during each peak—enough to power 38,357 households.

  • Businesses that are doing their part

    1,825 MW curtailed during each peak—enough to power 260,714 households.

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