Are you already taking advantage of a dynamic pricing offer? If you are, then you already know that using less electricity during peak demand events helps you save. Every little bit counts, but we all know that some things help more than others. The four habits listed below will have the most impact on your bill.
1. Smarter heating, same comfort
When it's −30 °C, our reflex is not to turn down the heating. However, it is nevertheless the best way to save on your electricity bill.
Consider this: In the average Québec household, heating can account for up to 80% of the electricity used during cold spells.
So, how do you go about that without shivering uncontrollably after an hour? By preheating your home!
Turn up your thermostat two hours before the start of a peak demand event. Then, as soon as the peak demand event begins, turn it down 2°C below the normal setting. You’ll have accumulated enough heat to get you through to the end of the peak demand event.
Feel like taking it a little further? If cozy sweaters and warm blankets are part of your winter routine, you can turn the temperature setting down even more. The more you lower your thermostat, the more you save. It’s a question of finding your comfort zone.
Are you concerned that preheating and then returning to a higher temperature setting after the peak demand event will undo your efforts? Fear not, it all works out in the end. Lowering the temperature during the critical period more than makes up for the higher temperature setting.
Automate so you can save without giving it a second thought!
Preheat, turn down the temperature, return to normal . . . It sounds easy in theory. But if you have several thermostats to adjust manually, automation can simplify everything.
Available for $0* with Rate Flex D, Hilo smart thermostats take care of all those adjustments for you. You’ll save without even thinking about it.
Is your home already equipped with compatible smart devices? By adding them to Hilo, you could receive a bonus of up to $210* per connected device and participate in peak demand events to save even more.
2. Use less hot water and put off using it until later
After heating, hot water is next in line when it comes to electricity consumption. Hot water can account for up to 20% of your annual electricity use.
To save, don't make the water heater work during peak demand events. How? By not using hot water before a peak demand event so that the water heater conserves the water that's already been heated. Delay using the dishwasher and washing machine until after a peak demand event. If you absolutely have to do a load of laundry, opt for handwashing or use cold water.
Did you know?
About 80 to 90% of the energy used to wash clothes goes to heating water. Hot water cycles require up to 18 times more electricity than cold water cycles.
Ideally, try to take your shower earlier or later than usual. If that's impossible, take a shorter one. Avoid taking baths. Did you know that a half‑filled bathtub uses 33% more hot water than a seven‑minute shower?
3. Step away from the stove
Certain appliances, like ovens and ranges, are particularly energy intensive. Use smaller appliances during peak demand events. A slow cooker uses up to 80% less electricity, and you can cook your meal before the peak demand event begins.
You might also use your toaster oven, microwave or air fryer, all of which consume significantly less electricity.
4. Charge your EV at the right time
If you have an electric vehicle, program it to charge outside of peak periods. Certain EVduty charger models can even be connected to the Hilo app to maximize your savings during peak demand events.
We get results when we work together
In winter 2025‑2026, more than 470,000 households participated in the efforts to reduce electricity use during peak demand events.
Together, they reduced demand on the grid by 700 megawatts per peak demand event, which is equivalent to the power use of approximately 100,000 households. This impressive result shows that when Quebecers come together, individual actions have a major collective impact for the system.
