Why reduce power consumption during winter peak periods?
When winter rolls around, energy demand always spikes — especially during those cold mornings and evenings when everyone’s heating, cooking, and plugging in at once. In the energy sector, these “peak periods” are a hot topic, but they affect more than just industry insiders. The truth is, everyone can play a part in easing demand when it matters most. Here’s what winter peaks are, and why reducing your energy use during these times helps keep the grid running smoothly for all of us.
What are winter peaks?
In the energy sector, a peak period is when electricity demand is at its highest. In the U.S., that usually happens in summer during heat waves, when air conditioners are running non-stop. In Québec, electricity demand spikes in winter, when heating drives usage way up.
These winter peak periods — or winter peaks — usually happen twice a day: early in the morning (around 6 a.m. to 9 a.m.) and again in the late afternoon and evening (4 p.m. to 8 p.m.). It’s a lot like rush-hour traffic: the pattern repeats at the same times, it’s predictable, and it tends to be worse on weekdays.
Because heating is the main driver of winter demand, it’s also where we have the most potential to make a difference. By lowering or shifting heating use during peak hours, we can ease the pressure on the grid — and when demand is more balanced, the whole province benefits.
“The whole province benefits?” Yes. Absolutely.
When demand exceeds our production capacity — as often happens during winter peaks — Québec has to turn to neighbouring markets to buy electricity to cover the needs of homes and businesses across the province. That electricity is usually more expensive and sometimes less green. Reducing demand at peak times, then, helps Québec save money while lightening our environmental impact.
There’s another key point: by consuming less, we reduce the need to build new infrastructure to produce and transport more electricity. That means major savings for everyone!
Smoothing out peaks is simple with Hilo
Hilo’s goal is to reduce power demand by 620 megawatts during peak periods by 2029. To get there, it offers a simple, effective solution: automation of connected devices!
Here’s how it works: while you’re at home or going about your day, Hilo eases pressure on the grid by shifting energy use away from winter peaks at key moments during what are called peak demand events. These events are announced several hours in advance — and since the process is automated, you don’t have to think about a thing.
Hilo provides the equipment you need — smart thermostats, a hub, and other connected devices — at no cost, in exchange for agreeing to automation. And thanks to the preheating option, your comfort isn’t compromised. When Hilo lowers the temperature during a peak event, your home will already have been warmed beforehand, so it stays comfortable.
That’s not all: letting Hilo manage your connected devices during peak events also helps you save money. With Hilo, you make smarter use of available energy — and everyone benefits.
Hilo also offers a smart EV charging solution and a smart controller for electric water heaters.
See how much you could save with our savings calculator.
