Save On Energy Peak Perks FAQs
Program Overview
What is the Save on Energy Peak Perks program?
Peak Perks™ rewards residential and small business electricity consumers who own an eligible smart thermostat for reducing their energy use when demand for electricity in Ontario is high during the summer months. This helps to reduce stress on the electricity grid and ensure a reliable supply of electricity for you and your community.
Participants agree to brief adjustments of up to two degrees Celsius to their thermostats during peak periods of electricity demand from June 1 to September 30.
These adjustments to your thermostat typically last no more than three hours and will not occur on weekends or holidays.
Prior to an event, your thermostat may be adjusted down slightly to pre-cool your residence or business so that you remain comfortable while an event is taking place.
Once an event ends, your thermostat will return to its original temperature setting.
Why should I participate in Peak Perks?
Participating in Peak Perks is an easy way to be rewarded for managing your electricity consumption and costs. Not only will you be financially rewarded, you are also helping your community and the province by reducing stress on the grid on the hottest days. By taking part in Peak Perks, you are supporting a brighter Ontario by contributing to a reliable, affordable and sustainable grid.
How do I sign up for Peak Perks?
You can enroll in the Peak Perks program by visiting the program enrollment page, answering some questions and selecting your thermostat provider. You can also enroll through your thermostat provider’s mobile app or directly on your thermostat.
After you have applied, you will receive notification of your enrollment status to the email address provided in your account registration. Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be enrolled in the program. If you encounter any difficulty enrolling, please contact us at info@peakperks.ca.
How will I know that a temperature adjustment is in progress?
- Before an event begins, you may receive notifications depending on the settings in your smart thermostat app.
- Depending on your thermostat provider, notifications may also appear on the thermostat.
How will my thermostat be adjusted?
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If pre-cooling is used, your thermostat may be adjusted down by one degree for 30 minutes prior to the event. This is to help ensure your comfort during the event.
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At the start of an event, your thermostat will be automatically adjusted up to two degrees Celsius above the current temperature setting.
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The event will last no more than three hours on non-holiday weekday afternoons. Once the event is over, your thermostat will return to its normal setting.
Will participating in Peak Perks compromise my comfort?
You are always in control – you can opt out at any time during an event from your mobile device, or by simply adjusting your smart thermostat back to your desired comfort level.
Am I allowed to opt out of thermostat adjustment events?
Yes. During an event, you can opt out directly from your thermostat or in your thermostat manufacturer’s web/mobile application.
What does peak electricity demand mean?
Peak demand is when consumer demand for electricity is at its highest. In Ontario, this typically occurs in the afternoon during the summer months – the hottest part of the day, when air conditioning is being used. The Peak Perks program rewards you for reducing your energy use during these peak electricity demand periods to help reduce stress on the electricity grid and ensure a reliable supply of electricity for you and your community.
Is Save on Energy working with a third party to deliver Peak Perks?
Save on Energy is working with authorized third parties, EnergyHub and EnergyHub’s service providers Choice Digital and Blackhawk Network, to administer certain elements of the Peak Perks program. You may receive updates or responses to email inquiries from EnergyHub, Choice Digital, or Blackhawk Network on behalf of Save on Energy. You will be prompted to sign up for the My Prepaid Center application operated by Blackhawk Network to redeem your virtual prepaid Mastercard®. These are legitimate email communications from Save on Energy program representatives and My Prepaid Center is supporting the incentive fulfillment function for Peak Perks. If in doubt about any Peak Perks-related communications, please contact us at saveonenergy@ieso.ca.
Eligible Thermostats
Which thermostats qualify for the program?
|
Provider |
Approved Thermostats |
|---|---|
|
Alarm.com |
Trane ComfortLink Control; RCS Z-Wave Communicating Thermostat; GoControl Z-wave Thermostat; Alarm.com Smart Thermostat; 2GIG Z-Wave Plus™ Battery Powered Thermostat; Trane Z-Wave Thermostat; Linear Thermostat; Smart Thermostat HD (ADC T40K-HD); ADC T3000, ADC T2000, ecobee Thermostat, Honeywell T6 |
|
Google Nest |
Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen), Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen),Google Nest Learning Thermostat (2nd gen)*, Google Nest Learning Thermostat (1st gen)*, Google Nest Thermostat, and Google Nest Thermostat E |
|
ecobee |
ecobee3, ecobee3 Lite, ecobee4, ecobee, SmartThermostat with voice control, ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced, ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, Smart Thermostat Essential |
|
Sensi |
Sensi™ Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat, Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat, Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat, Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat |
|
Honeywell Home |
Wi-Fi T5+ Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi T6 Pro Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi T9 Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi T10 Smart Thermostat |
|
Honeywell TCC |
Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, Wi-Fi 9000 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, Wi-Fi 9000 Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi VisionPro 8000 Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi Round Smart Thermostat |
Additional smart thermostat makes and models may be added to the program. Please check back regularly for updates.
*Google Nest Learning Thermostat 1st and 2nd gen will not be eligible for program participation after October 2025
Where can I find the Terms and Conditions for the program?
|
Provider |
Terms and Conditions |
|---|---|
|
Alarm.com |
|
|
Google Nest |
|
|
ecobee |
|
|
Sensi |
|
|
Honeywell Home |
Residential Enrollment
How will I know if I’m eligible to participate?
To be eligible to participate in Peak Perks, you must:
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Be a residential electricity customer in Ontario* with central air conditioning that is controlled by your smart thermostat. Heat pumps that are part of central air conditioning are also eligible.
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Use an eligible, Internet-connected thermostat to control your central air conditioning or heat pump
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Not be participating in any other residential demand response program in Ontario where your thermostat is automatically adjusted to maintain reliability of the electricity grid
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Be a residential customer of a local electric utility.
*Electricity customers who reside in Cornwall, Ontario, are connected to the Hydro Quebec electricity grid and therefore are not eligible to participate in Peak Perks.
I live in a condo/apartment with a smart thermostat. Am I eligible to participate?
No, the program is currently offered to single-family homes and not to multi-unit condos or apartments.
I’m a renter in a home with an eligible smart thermostat? Can I participate?
Yes, if all other program requirements are met, renters may participate in the Peak Perks™ program.
If I recently moved and reconnect my thermostat in my new house, do I get an additional enrollment incentive?
No, since you have already received an enrollment incentive, you will not receive an additional one, but you are eligible for the annual incentive for continued participation.
Am I eligible for a new enrollment incentive if I replace my thermostat with a new model or brand?
No. If you replace your thermostat with an updated model or a new thermostat from a different brand, you will continue to participate in the program with your new thermostat, but you will not be eligible for a new enrollment incentive. You will still receive an annual incentive for your continued participation.
How many thermostats can I enroll at my address?
The incentive is capped at three devices per eligible residential address. A residence with a fourth device could still enroll in Peak Perks, but the fourth thermostat would not be eligible for the enrollment and annual incentives.
How does this program differ from Hydro One’s myEnergy Rewards program?
Peak Perks and Hydro One’s myEnergy Rewards program are both demand response programs through which your smart thermostat is automatically adjusted to help maintain the reliability of the electricity grid.
The Peak Perks program is available to residential and small business customers across Ontario regardless of who is their local electric utility provider. myEnergy Rewards is only available to Hydro One’s residential customers.
Hydro One customers have the option to sign up for myEnergy Rewards, or they can sign up for the Peak Perks program. The choice is theirs. Customers are encouraged to review the program rules for both programs to inform their decision.
Business Enrollment
How will I know if my small business is eligible to participate?
To be eligible to participate in Peak Perks, you must:
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Be a business electricity customer in Ontario with central air conditioning or rooftop unit that is controlled by your smart thermostat. Heat pumps that are part of central air conditioning are also eligible.
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Be a business with 50 or fewer employees on site at the business at any point in time, under the full operating capacity of that business.
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Use an eligible, Internet-connected thermostat to control your central air conditioning or rooftop unit.
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Not be participating in any other business demand response program in Ontario where your thermostat is automatically adjusted to maintain reliability of the electricity grid.
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Be a business customer of a local electric utility.
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Electricity customers who reside in Cornwall, Ontario, are connected to the Hydro Quebec electricity grid and therefore are not eligible to participate in Peak Perks.
What name should I apply to Peak Perks with?
Please enter your business name as the first name on the Peak Perks application.
Why should I participate in Peak Perks?
Participating in Peak Perks is an easy way to be rewarded for managing your electricity consumption and costs. Not only will you be financially rewarded, you are also helping your community and the province by reducing stress on the grid on the hottest days.
Am I eligible for a new enrollment incentive if I replace my thermostat with a new model or brand?
No. If you replace your thermostat with an updated model or a new thermostat from a different brand, you will continue to participate in the program with your new thermostat, but you will not be eligible for a new enrollment incentive. You will still receive an annual incentive for your continued participation.
.
Can I enroll multiple properties that I own in Peak Perks?
Yes, you may enroll multiple properties in the Peak Perks program if all program requirements are satisfied. You can enroll all eligible devices owned as long as each device enrolled controls a separate AC system.
How many thermostats can I enroll at my address?
The incentive is capped at three devices per eligible residential address. A residence with a fourth device could still enroll in Peak Perks, but the fourth thermostat would not be eligible for the enrollment and annual incentives.
How does this program differ from Hydro One’s myEnergy Rewards program?
Peak Perks and Hydro One’s myEnergy Rewards program are both demand response programs through which your smart thermostat is automatically adjusted to help maintain the reliability of the electricity grid.
The Peak Perks program is available to residential and small business customers across Ontario regardless of who is their local electric utility provider. myEnergy Rewards is only available to Hydro One’s residential customers.
Hydro One customers have the option to sign up for myEnergy Rewards, or they can sign up for the Peak Perks program. The choice is theirs. Customers are encouraged to review the program rules for both programs to inform their decision.
Incentives
How can I add my virtual prepaid Mastercard to my digital wallet?
Your virtual prepaid card can be used either online or in stores. To use your virtual prepaid card in a store, you first need to add it to your mobile digital wallet. You can do this in one of two ways:
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Download the My Card Wallet app associated with the prepaid Mastercard using the links provided while viewing your card details after registration. Using the app provides you with an easy way to view your current balance, card details, and transaction history at any time. It also allows for automatic loading of your card to Apple Pay or Google Wallet.
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Downloading the app is not mandatory in order to add the prepaid Mastercard to your digital wallet. You
can manually add the card to your mobile wallet by viewing your card details after registration and entering the card number, expiration date, and CVV number.
How to add your virtual prepaid card to your mobile wallet using the My Card Wallet app:
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Register Your Card or Locate Your Card Details: Click the registration link in your email to complete the registration steps, or follow the steps below to locate your card details if you have already registered your card.
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Locate the email that originally came from noreply@myprepaidcenter.com
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Look for the Subject line “Your Virtual Prepaid Account
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Click the link that says "Retrieve Card Number"
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Verify identity with code sent to your email or phone
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Obtain the link to the app: In “My Prepaid Center”, choose the option to “add to wallet”. You will be prompted to download the My Card Wallet app.
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Download the App: Download and install the My Card Wallet app on your mobile device.
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Add Your Card to your preferred digital wallet: Open the app and follow links for Apple Pay or Google Wallet located right below the card details. Select your card, and choose "Add to Wallet."
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Agree and Activate: Review and accept the terms and conditions. Your card will then be added to your mobile wallet and is ready for use.
To add your virtual prepaid card to your wallet without utilizing the My Card Wallet app, locate the card details using the step 1 above and then follow the instructions below based on the wallet:
Apple Pay: https://support.apple.com/en-ca/108398
Google Wallet (Android): https://support.google.com/wallet/answer/12058983?hl=en
If you have any trouble adding your card to your mobile wallet follow these steps:
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Turn your Wifi off and try again using your cellular network
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Turn your phone off and back on, then try again
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Clear you cache and cookies and try again
For any additional support needs, please contact support@cdco.io.
Who do I contact if I am having difficulty accessing My Prepaid Center to redeem my virtual prepaid Mastercard®?
If you are having difficulty signing up or logging into My Prepaid Center to claim your virtual prepaid Mastercard®, please contact My Prepaid Center at 1-888-371-2109.
What is the incentive for participating in Peak Perks and when will I receive it?
When you enroll in Peak Perks, you will receive a $75 virtual prepaid Mastercard® that will be sent to you at the email address used to sign up for the program. You will receive the prepaid card within 60 days of being accepted into the program.
You will receive a $20 virtual prepaid Mastercard® in 2025 for your continued participation if you enrolled before September 30, 2024.
You will then receive a $20 virtual prepaid Mastercard® in 2026 for your continued participation in that year if you enrolled before September 30, 2025.
Your virtual prepaid Mastercard® will be sent to the email address used to register in the Peak Perks program. It will be sent from the peakperks@redeem.energyhub.com email address. You should add this address to your address book/whitelist to ensure that you receive the incentive email.
A residence with a fourth device could still enroll in Peak Perks, but the fourth thermostat would not be eligible for the program and annual incentives. The incentive cap is not applicable for small businesses. All smart thermostats in a small business facility connected to a separate air conditioning system are eligible for an incentive.
Please note that the virtual prepaid Mastercard® expires within six months after it is issued to you.
Am I eligible for a new enrollment incentive if I replace my thermostat with a new model or brand?
No. If you replace your thermostat with an updated model or a new thermostat from a different brand, you will continue to participate in the program with your new thermostat, but you will not be eligible for a new enrollment incentive. You will still receive an annual incentive for your continued participation.
.
Is there an option to receive a physical prepaid Mastercard® by mail?
Yes, a physical prepaid cards can be requested by contacting support@cdco.io
How many thermostats can I enroll at my address?
The incentive is capped at three devices per eligible residential address. A residence with a fourth device could still enroll in Peak Perks, but the fourth thermostat would not be eligible for the enrollment and annual incentives.
If I replace my old thermostat with a new model, will I receive an additional enrollment incentive?
No, since you have already received an enrollment incentive, you will not receive an additional one, but you are eligible for the annual incentive for continued participation.
Support
How are you ensuring the privacy and protection of my personal information?
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Peak Perks, which is administered by the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) under the Save on Energy brand, is committed to the protection of personal information in accordance with all applicable privacy laws. Individuals who elect to participate in the Peak Perks program will be fully informed about what personal information will be collected and how it will be used by EnergyHub and Blackhawk Network. Your informed consent will be obtained prior to informing your smart thermostat provider that you are participating in the program and before collecting any information needed to estimate energy savings collected from your smart thermostat provider. This information will be accessible only to the IESO and its authorized program delivery partner, EnergyHub.
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The IESO maintains robust safeguards to protect against the unauthorized collection, use, disclosure and disposal of personal information in its custody or under its control. The IESO requires its program delivery partners who collect or process personal information on the IESO’s behalf to provide equivalent safeguards. Please refer to the program terms and conditions or contact us directly at saveonenergy@ieso.ca if you have any questions about how the information you provide as part of participating in Peak Perks will be used.
Will you be collecting my smart thermostat data and tracking my energy use?
Yes, the Peak Perks program will be collecting smart thermostat data and energy use in accordance with the terms and conditions of the program.
I was contacted by someone claiming to be from Save on Energy. Do you contact people directly to solicit participation in your programs?
Save on Energy does not call, contact, or come to the homes of consumers to solicit participation in our programs, including Peak Perks. If you receive a call or visit from someone claiming to represent Save on Energy, please exercise caution and contact us at saveonenergy@ieso.ca to report any fraudulent activity.
What if I have additional questions about the program?
For more information about participating in Peak Perks, please visit the program page, email info@peakperks.ca, or call (877) 793-7375.
What should I do if I no longer want to participate in the program?
If you no longer wish to participate in Peak Perks, please send an email to info@peakperks.ca, requesting to end your participation in the program. Once you have been unenrolled in the program, your thermostat will no longer be part of activations. You will not receive the annual participation incentive when you unenroll from the program.