Will I be cold during peak demand events?
The goal of a peak demand event is to reduce electricity use, especially from heating, to ease pressure on Hydro-Québec’s grid. But that doesn’t mean you have to give up comfort. You’re in control of how warm your home stays — and with the right settings, you can save energy (and money!) without disrupting your routine.
Peak demand events take place in winter, when electricity use is at its highest and Hydro-Québec’s grid is under heavy strain. From December 1 and March 1, Hydro-Québec may call up to thirty peak events, scheduled in the morning, evening, or sometimes both. By reducing your electricity use during these periods, you’re helping free up energy for everyone. And the best part? Along with the satisfaction of being part of a collective effort, you can also enjoy substantial savings on your electricity bill.
Flexibility that fits your lifestyle
The settings you choose — which you can adjust until midnight the day before an event — let you decide the level of comfort you want to maintain.
First, you can select the participation mode that works best for you: Moderate, Intrepid, or Extreme. The difference is simply how many degrees the temperature will be lowered during the event.
Don’t worry — temperature adjustments happen gradually, helping you stay comfortable during the event.
Next, you can choose to add a preheating phase before the event — a simple way to help you stay cozy! By raising the temperature in the two hours leading up to an event, your home will stay warm and comfortable for longer. The key is to use preheating wisely: focus only on the rooms your family will spend time in during the event, like the living room or the kids’ bedroom. Since preheating the entire house can reduce your overall savings, it’s best to avoid warming every room.
Remember: You’re in control!
It’s normal for your home to lose a few degrees during peak events. That’s the goal. But by choosing your own settings, you can keep your home comfortable and suited to your family’s lifestyle. For example, selecting Extreme mode without preheating will maximize your energy savings, but you might want to slip on some cozy slippers!
