Hydro One Brampton, with support from the Ontario Power Authority, is making it simple for Ontarians to do
their part to conserve energy and ease the strain on the electricity system during summer peak demand times.
Ontarians can sign up for the peaksaver program and help reduce the strain on the power grid during peak demand
times. This program is being offered to you because you reside in an area where electricity usage is higher in
summer than in winter.
Can I enroll in the peaksaver program?
For Residential customers: Any Hydro One Brampton customer who has central air conditioning is eligible for the
peaksaver program. You must own the home or building or have written permission from the landlord.
For Business customers: Business customers are eligible if your air conditioners and water heater are
approximately the same size as those used by residential customers. If you have your landlord or property
manager's approval to participate, have them contact us to enroll in the program.
How does the program work?
With your permission, Hydro One Brampton will install a programmable thermostat valued at $250 that
allows us to briefly reduce the central air conditioning electricity usage during 'critical' peak
use times - typically weekday afternoons during the hottest days of the summer, but not on holidays or
weekends. In 2006, the system was activated twice.
Do I receive anything for participating?
Apart from saving electricity and benefitting the environment, a $25 credit will be applied to your bill just
for signing up.
Will it cost me anything to participate?
It will not cost you anything to participate and there is no maintenance cost. Just for signing up and
having the device installed, you will receive $25.
How much money could the peaksaver program potentially save me?
You may not see savings directly on your bill, but this program will save everyone money by keeping the cost
of electricity lower in the future by reducing the need to import electricity.
Can I really make a difference by participating?
Yes. By participating, you and thousands of others will allow us to reduce the strain on the electrical
system during peak periods. By doing very little on your part, you are making a significant contribution
to conserving electricity and helping to improve our environment. We expect that the peaksaver program will
reduce the demand on the electricity system. This means we will need to import less electricity that saves
everyone money by keeping electricity prices low.
What do I do if I don't own the house or business property? Can I still enroll?
Yes, you can still enroll. Your landlord will need to provide a letter of permission to have the peaksaver
programmable thermostat installed at your residence.
Won't it be sweltering when I get home?
The peaksaver event is typically transparent to the participant. Over the four-hour period there is only
a very small rise in temperature.
Will there be a power surge when it comes back on?
No, the technology takes this into account. The remotely controlled devices only reduce the electricity usage
but do not turn off your air-conditioner. Also, the air-conditioners participating in the program are managed
randomly to avoid a power surge.
I live in a townhouse, am I eligible?
If your unit has a separate central air conditioning unit and you receive a bill from us, you are eligible for
the peaksaver program.
Businesses must use much more electricity than residential customers? Why are you asking regular homeowners
to take these measures?
Everyone can help reduce strain on the electrical system. There are many conservation programs for commercial
properties and industry as well. For example, there is a program similar to peaksaver wherein companies sign
contracts to reduce their electricity consumption during peak periods.
Do I have to participate?
No, you do not have to participate. peaksaver is a voluntary program and you can opt out at any time. We're
confident that people will find it to be an easy way to help reduce the strain on our electricity system and
benefit the environment.
Will you have access to any other systems in my house? Will you be able to control my whole house?
No, we will not have access to any other system in your house. We will only have access to the central air
conditioning, and the pool pump or electric hot water heater if you opt to include these items.
Do I have to be home when this is installed?
Yes, we will need you to be home so that our qualified, certified professionals will be able to install your
thermostat.
I don't want strangers in my house. How will I know if the people who arrive are legitimate?
We can understand your concern for security. Rest assured that the installation will be done by qualified,
certified professionals working on behalf of Hydro One Brampton. When the installers come to your door you can
ask them to produce identification that will show that they are working on behalf of us.
What if they break my system? Will they pay to fix it?
The installation will be done by qualified, certified professionals working on behalf of Hydro One Brampton.
They are well-trained and will carry appropriate liability insurance.
Which of my home appliances are eligible for peaksaver? Who chooses this?
To qualify, you must have central air conditioning. Residential customers can also volunteer electric water heaters
for the program. Along with central A/C units, commercial customers can also volunteer electric water heaters.
If I am unhappy with peaksaver, can I stop being part of this program?
Yes, if for whatever reason you are not happy, please call 1-866-380-6051 to speak to a representative.
What happens if I'm using an appliance during the time it will be shut off?
For air conditioners and water heaters, you will not need to do anything. The only difference may be a very slight
difference in temperature - most people will not notice a change at all. Your water heater will be cycled off for
the whole peak period, but since it has a reserve of hot water you should have plenty of hot water during that
brief time.
Do I have to adjust my thermostat or change any other settings?
No, participating in the program is easy and requires no effort, time or investment.
Who do I call when I have questions or problems?
Any questions should be directed to 1-866-380-6051.
I have a room air conditioner, can I participate in the program?
No, room air conditioners are not part of the program at this time.
I already have a high-efficiency AC system. Should I bother participating in this program?
Although a high efficiency system uses less electricity than an older or less-efficient system, any and all
electricity savings are helpful during a peak-use period.
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