Participant Agreement: 5 things to know
Interested in joining the Hilo adventure and doing your part for the planet, but want to understand exactly what’s involved first? Here’s a quick summary of the key points*. Let’s get started!
1. How does it work?
Hilo offers smart thermostats at $0. During periods of high demand — known as peak demand events — when the grid is under pressure, Hilo will automatically reduce your energy use (during what are called peak events).
Because you also benefit from Rate Flex D, you pay a lower electricity price outside of winter peak periods and a higher price during peak events. Together, Hilo and Rate Flex D can help you save up to 20% on your winter electricity bill.
To get started:
- First, get the Hilo hub (free of charge).
- Then, choose at least one solution: smart thermostats for heating, the smart water heater solution or the electric vehicle charging solution (compatible with an eligible EVduty charger).
Learn more about the steps to sign up for Hilo
2. Eligibility
To be eligible for Hilo, both before and during the period of the agreement, you must:
- Be a Hydro-Québec customer (municipal networks are not eligible)
- Have created a Customer Space on the Hydro-Québec website
- Have high-speed internet with a minimum speed of 5 Mb/s, a wireless network at home, and a free, functioning Ethernet port on your modem or router
- Own a smartphone or other smart mobile device
- Have a primarily electric heating system
- Agree to switch to Rate Flex D
Hilo is available to both renters and homeowners. If you’re signing up as a renter, it’s your responsibility to obtain your landlord’s permission beforehand.
3. Installation included
The first visit to your home by a certified electrician for installation is included. Please note that if you purchase the hub without any thermostats (for example, if you’re signing up only for the electric vehicle charging solution), no installation visit is required.
If you place a subsequent order for thermostats, a $150 installation fee will apply. For this reason, we recommend replacing all your thermostats in your initial order!
4. One-year commitment
Credit balance
Joining Hilo means agreeing to have your connected devices automated during peak demand events for one year. As a thank-you for your commitment and participation, Hilo provides its thermostats at no cost.
The credit balance represents the amount you save by making this commitment. It reflects the actual retail value of the Hilo devices you receive.
The credit balance is spread evenly over 12 months, starting from your order date, and decreases each month. If you cancel your agreement before the 12 months are up, you’ll need to repay the remaining credit balance for the unused portion of the term.
Note that the credit balance applies only to thermostats (before taxes) and not to the installation, since installation is free!
Example
Jean-Pierre orders eight Hilo thermostats at $0. He doesn’t pay anything.
- His credit balance will be $880 — the actual value of the thermostats.
- The balance is spread over 12 months.
- Each month, Jean-Pierre’s credit balance automatically decreases by $73.34 ($880 ÷ 12).
- After 12 months, his balance is $0.
Once the 12 months are up and the credit balance reaches zero, you simply continue using the service as outlined in your agreement — enjoying the mobile app’s convenient features and saving energy during peak events.
Moving
If you’re planning to move, contact us so we can review your available options together.
If you’ve recently moved and want to join Hilo, please wait until you’ve received your first Hydro-Québec bill or have access to your new contract number in your Hydro-Québec Customer Space before signing up.
5. Peak demand events
There can be up to 30 peak demand events between December 1 and March 31, though some seasons may have fewer. Several factors can influence Hydro-Québec’s electricity needs, including weather conditions, grid status, equipment failures, and more.
Hydro-Québec offers thermostats at $0 in exchange for allowing Hilo to automate the management of your connected devices during these peak events each winter.
How it works
Peak demand events may occur in the morning, evening, or both. During peak events, Hilo automatically lowers the temperature on your thermostats by a few degrees, pauses electric vehicle charging and turns off your water heater. You’ll receive a notification in the mobile app the day before the event and have until midnight to adjust your preferences, such as your participation mode or preheating settings.
The goal is to reduce your home’s energy use. What counts is your total electricity consumption — everything your meter records, including the energy used by your appliances, water heater, and more.
Check out the five golden rules to help you make the most of your energy savings.
Have any other questions? Don’t hesitate to visit our help centre and blog. Or get in touch — we’re here to help!
*This article is a summary of the key points in the Participant Agreement and does not constitute the full Agreement. It is provided for informational purposes only and is not legally binding. To view the full Agreement, please click here.
