What’s a Hilo challenge?

A Hilo challenge is a one-time event in which Hilo helps you reduce your home’s energy consumption. To do this, Hilo reduces the set temperature of your thermostats and, if they’re included in the challenge, cuts power to your electric water heater controller and charging station. Challenges take place during peak consumption periods, in the morning or the evening, or both. You’ll be notified in the app the day before an event.

Each challenge comprises three phases, which usually take place at the following times.

• Morning challenge: an optional preheating phase from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m., a reduction phase from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., and a recovery phase from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• Evening challenge: an optional preheating phase from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., a reduction phase from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a recovery phase from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m.

During each phase of the challenge, the set temperature of your thermostats is gradually modified.

If your electric water heater controller is included in the challenge, its power supply will be cut off at the start of the reduction phase and restored during the recovery phase.

If your charging station is included in the challenge, charging will be interrupted at the start of the reduction phase and will gradually resume during the recovery phase.

In a typical Québec winter, you can expect about 30 Hilo challenges.

For each of these challenges, you can choose your preheating options and mode of participation (moderate, intrepid or extreme) for your thermostats. For each challenge completed, you’ll receive a cash reward based on your participation.

The more challenges you participate in, the more rewards you can earn!