What is a peak demand event?

A peak demand event, or peak event, is a scheduled period during which Hilo helps you reduce your home's electricity use. To do this, Hilo lowers the setpoint temperature on your thermostats and, if they’re also participating in the event, temporarily cuts power to your water heater and EV charging station. Peak events take place during periods of high electricity demand — in the morning, evening, or both. You’ll receive a notification in the Hilo app the day before each event.   

Schedule 

Morning event 

• Optional preheating phase: 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. 
• Peak event: 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. 
• Recovery phase: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. 

Evening event 

• Optional preheating phase: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. 
• Peak event: 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. 
• Recovery phase: 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

During each phase, the setpoint temperatures on your thermostats are adjusted gradually.  

The preheating option is enabled by default for all connected thermostats, but you can change this setting, or adjust your participation mode — Moderate, Intrepid, or Extreme — based on your preferences. 

If you have a water heater controller, power will be cut at the start of the event and restored during the recovery phase. 

If you have a compatible EV charging station, charging will be paused at the start of the event and will gradually resume during the recovery phase. 

In a typical Québec winter, you can expect around 30 peak events