Why make a 12 month commitment to Hilo?
Why does Hydro-Québec ask participants to commit to Hilo for 12 months? And what happens if you end your agreement early? Here’s what you need to know.
For the environment
Hilo hopes you’ll stay with this project for as long as possible so that it can have a real impact on Québec’s collective electricity consumption. The more kilowatt-hours we free up, the more energy is available to support the energy transition! By working together over several years, we can promote the use of clean, local energy, without wasting it.
Access affordable smart home equipment
In exchange for your 12-month commitment, Hydro-Québec offers Hilo smart thermostats at $0. For comparison, these devices typically retail for around $115 each. Installation by a certified electrician is also included, with no hidden fees and no monthly charges. It’s not a subscription, it’s a commitment.
What if you leave Hilo before the end of your commitment?
If you don’t fulfill the terms of the Participant Agreement, you’ll need to repay the actual value of the equipment — what we call the credit balance. This amount is evenly spread over 12 months; if you cancel your contract early, you’ll need to pay the balance for the remaining months of your agreement.
Of course, if you meet your 12-month commitment and stay with Hilo for the full term, you won’t be charged anything.
Moving? Let us know at least 30 days before your move, and we’ll explore options to help keep your agreement active — such as transferring it to your new address.
In short, Hilo is a highly competitive option. A 12-month commitment gives you access to smart thermostats at $0, while helping you save up to 20% on your winter electricity bill.
Once those 12 months are up, we’d love for you to stay on and keep making an impact with us. You’ll have the satisfaction of contributing to a collective mission that truly matters — one that helps build a better future for generations to come, simply by optimizing your energy use.
It’s a win for Québec — and for you.
