Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL PROGRAM

What is the Hydro One myEnergy Rewards Program?

  • It's a voluntary demand response program that rewards you for reducing your electricity use during periods of high demand, which also helps ensure the reliability of the electricity grid.
  • When you enrol your smart devices in myEnergy Rewards, your devices will automatically respond to signals from Hydro One, for a few hours at a time – you don’t need to lift a finger to participate!
  • When you sign up for the program, you’ll receive an upfront enrolment incentive and ongoing rewards for participation.
  • We will always notify you before a peak demand event.
  • Event lengths will vary but will typically last between one to four hours.
  • You are always in control and able to opt out of any peak demand event at any time.

Who is eligible to participate in myEnergy Rewards?

Where can I find the full program details?

Full details can be found in our Program Procedures document for:

Why is this program important?

When there's exceptionally high demand for electricity, this program will help reduce that demand, especially on hot summer days or very cold winter days when many people are using their air conditioners or heating. As a participant you can help improve grid reliability and help keep electricity cost-effective by delaying the need for system capacity upgrades.

How will I know when an event is happening?

Before the event, you will receive notifications by email or SMS. Hydro One will send you a notification a minimum of two hours prior to an event. During an event, notifications may appear on your smart device and/or in your device app.

What if I don't want to participate during an event?

You can always opt out of an individual event at any time. Please see the device-specific questions below for more detail on how to opt out of an event with different kinds of smart devices. If you no longer wish to participate in the program, you may withdraw by calling 1-888-408-6030.

How do I benefit from participating?

As a participant, you will receive an upfront incentive when you enrol in the program and additional rewards for ongoing participation. By using energy wisely, you are also helping keep our energy system in good shape and making a difference in building a brighter future for all.

What if I have more questions about the program?

Call the Hydro One myEnergy Rewards support centre at 1-888-408-6030.

How can I see my energy use and compare it to other days?

Log into your Hydro One myAccount dashboard. There, you can view your energy usage trends.

What information will Hydro One or third parties have access to, and how will they use my information?

In order to administer the program, Hydro One needs to collect participants’ name, address, phone number, email address, and records showing historical energy use and consumption. When connecting your eligible device(s), you may be required to grant additional permissions so that the program can communicate with your device(s). This information will be accessible to only Hydro One and its implementation vendors CLEAResult and Virtual Peaker, and used for the sole purpose of administering the program. All customer data associated with the program will be stored in Canada.

Is Hydro One working with a third party?

Hydro One is working with a third party, CLEAResult, to administer certain elements of the program. We are also working with Virtual Peaker, which provides the software solution that enables us to communicate with connected smart devices. Responses to email inquiries may be sent from a CLEAResult email address (@clearesult.com) rather than a Hydro One email address (@hydroone.com). These are legitimate email responses from program support staff.

Who do I contact about the purchase(s) I made on the Hydro One marketplace?

The Hydro One marketplace has now closed. Purchases made prior to the August 1st, 2024 closure are being processed. Non-warranty related returns will be open until September 15, 2024, six weeks after last available purchase date on the marketplace. Warranty related returns will be honured in accordance with manufacturer terms. If you have questions about your purchase(s) please contact the Hydro One myEnergy Rewards support centre at 1-888-408-6030 or [email protected].

SMART THERMOSTATS

How do I enrol my smart thermostat in myEnergy Rewards?

To enrol in myEnergy Rewards, first ensure you meet the eligibility requirements listed above. If you already have a smart thermostat, you must complete the following 2 steps:

  • Complete the myEnergy Rewards Program Enrolment Form
  • Log into your smart thermostat app and connect your thermostat to our program by selecting the Hydro One myEnergy Rewards program listing.

For help connecting your smart thermostat, see the enrolment descriptions below:

What is a smart thermostat and how is it different from other thermostats?

A smart thermostat  learns your daily routine and temperature preferences to help you reduce energy costs by up to 15% per year. Smart thermostats offer many benefits over traditional thermostats, including:

  • Wi-Fi compatibility for remote control from your smartphone, laptop or tablet.
  • Real-time usage reports and energy savings tips.
  • Integration with smart home automation platforms like Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit.
  • Using motion and occupancy sensors to make automatic adjustments to maximize your energy efficiency and savings
  • Helping to reduce your home’s carbon footprint.

Which thermostat makes and models are eligible for the program?

All Wi-Fi connecting thermostats made by ecobee and Google Nest, as well as some thermostats made by Honeywell and Sensi. Click here for a list of specific thermostat models that are eligible.

What is the incentive, and when can I expect it to be delivered?

When you're accepted into the program with a smart thermostat, you'll receive an upfront, one-time $75 New Participant Incentive, limited to one per household. It will be delivered as a $75 e-gift card that will be emailed to you if you have an eligible smart thermostat you’re enrolling.

How does this program differ from Save on Energy’s Peak Perks program?

Hydro One’s myEnergy Rewards and Save on Energy’s Peak Perks program are both residential demand response programs through which your smart thermostat is automatically and temporarily adjusted to support the reliability of the electricity grid.

myEnergy Rewards is exclusively available to Hydro One’s residential customers whereas Peak Perks is available to all eligible Ontario residents. You cannot participate in both programs.

Can I participate in Hydro One’s myEnergy Rewards program if I’m already participating in Save on Energy’s Peak Perks program?

To be eligible to participate in myEnergy Rewards, you cannot be enrolled in any other residential demand response program in Ontario, including Peak Perks.

Can I set minimum and maximum temperatures I experience in my home during an event?

You can configure settings in your thermostat’s mobile app to control the amount of temperature change your home is allowed to experience during an event. These settings may vary depending on what type of thermostat you have.

  • Google Nest: In your Google Nest app, you can use the Safety Temperatures feature to set minimum and/or maximum temperatures for your home. Please click here for more information on setting up Safety Temperatures.
  • ecobee: In your ecobee app, you can use the comfort preference slider feature within the eco+ settings to limit the amount of temperature setback you experience during an event. Please click here and scroll to “How can I customize my eco+ experience?” and “Community Energy Savings” for additional information on the impact of the comfort preference slider.
  • Sensi: In your Sensi app, you can use the Temperature Limits feature to set minimum and/or maximum temperatures for your home. Please click here for more information on setting up Temperature Limits.
  • Honeywell: The available temperature settings on Honeywell thermostats vary by device model. Please consult the owners’ manual for your device to learn more about available temperature control options.

What can I expect during an event when there's high demand for electricity?

  • Before the event, your thermostat may be adjusted down slightly (to ensure comfort).
  • The smart thermostat setpoint temperature will be adjusted up by a few degrees.
  • Once the event is over, your thermostat will return to its normal setpoint and/or schedule.
  • There will be no more than 15 events throughout the entire program year.

What if I don’t have an eligible thermostat?

You can find eligible smart thermostats for purchase from the thermostat manufacturers listed below. Once you have purchased and installed your eligible thermostat, enrol in the program to be eligible for a $75 e-gift card.

  • Ecobee
  • Nest
  • Sensi
  • Honeywell

Will smart thermostats work for any heating and cooling sources?

No. Smart thermostats can control many, but not all, types of heating and cooling. Mini-split heat pumps and electric baseboard heating systems are often not compatible with the types of thermostats needed for this program.

What should I consider when choosing a smart thermostat?

  • Make sure that the smart thermostat is compatible with your home's HVAC system.
  • For a lower price, you can get a model with basic features. For a higher price, you can get a model with more features.
  • Some additional features include: vacation mode, the ability to learn your schedule, voice control, compatibility with other smart home devices, the use of geofencing to determine when you are home or away, and automatic software updates.

ELECTRIC VEHICLES AND CHARGERS

Why does it matter when I charge my electric vehicle?

Electric vehicle charging can create significant demand for electricity on the grid. When many vehicles are being charged, especially during periods of already-high demand, additional strain is placed on the energy system. By shifting charging activity to off-peak hours, you can help ensure our electricity delivery remains reliable, save customers from preventable costs in the future, and allow Hydro One to modernize grid infrastructure.

How do I enrol my electric vehicle in myEnergy Rewards?

Please complete the registration form by clicking here.

In Step 3 of the form, select “Vehicle”, then “Electric Vehicle”, then log into or set up your Smartcar account so your vehicle can be connected to the program. If you are encountering difficulty completing the enrolment process, please call us at 1-888-408-6030.

How do I enrol my electric vehicle in myEnergy Rewards?

Please complete the registration form by clicking here.

If you have a ChargePoint device In Step 3 of the form, select "EV Charger", then “ChargePoint”, then enter the pairing code provided into your ChargePoint portal. If a "Request Connection" pop-up does not appear, please refer to this support article for more guidance.

If you have a FLO device select "EV Charger", then "FLO, then enter your device’s serial number. FLO serial numbers will be a combination of "AAE-" or "AUE-" and 5 numerical digits. You can find the serial number at the bottom of the charging station beside the connector cable. If you are encountering difficulty completing the enrolment process, please call us at 1-888-408-6030.

Which EV and EV charger makes and models are eligible for the program?

Most Level 2 EV chargers made by ChargePoint and FLO are eligible for myEnergy Rewards. If your EV charger is not eligible for the program, you may be able to enrol your electric vehicle directly in the program. Certain models of battery electric vehicles made by BMW, Hyundai, Jaguar, Mini, Toyota, Tesla, and Volkswagen are eligible for direct participation in myEnergy Rewards. You can view the full list of eligible EVs and EV chargers here.

Do my EV and my EV charger both need to be eligible in order to enrol one in the program?

No. Only the device that you enrol in the program must meet eligibility requirements. For example, if you use an eligible EV charger to charge a non-eligible, all-electric battery EV (hybrid EVs are not eligible for participation at this time), you may enrol the EV charger in the program. Similarly, if you use a non-eligible EV charger to charge an eligible EV, you may enrol the EV in the program.

Can I enrol more than one eligible EV or charger in myEnergy Rewards?

If you have more than one eligible EV and/or an eligible EV charger, you may only enrol one device or the other in myEnergy Rewards. It is up to you which device you choose to enrol in the program. You will earn the same incentives regardless of which device you choose to enrol. If you own more than one eligible EV and own an eligible charger, we recommend you enrol in the program using your EV charger.

What is the incentive, and when can I expect it to be delivered?

You will receive an up-front incentive of $50 when you enrol your eligible EV or EV charger in the program. You can also earn additional incentives of up to $60 per year for participating in peak demand events. Participation incentives are $5 per month during which the participating device(s) has been called on and responds to curtail electricity demand for at least 50% of scheduled peak demand events. Opting out of a scheduled event at any time prior to or during the event will be considered non-participation. Participation incentives will be delivered within 4 weeks of the end of each program year (December 31st of each year). 

What can I expect during an event when there's high demand for electricity?

  • If your EV is plugged in and charging at your home at the event start time, charging will temporarily pause for the duration of the event.
  • If your EV’s battery is less than 50% charged at the event start time, your charging will not be paused (this check is not available for enrolled EV chargers).
  • At the end of the event, your EV will automatically resume charging as usual.
  • You may opt out of the event at any time by unplugging your EV and plugging it back in after a few moments.

BASEBOARD THERMOSTATS

What is a baseboard smart thermostat and how is it different from other thermostats for baseboard heating?

A baseboard smart thermostat also known as a line voltage smart thermostat offers added control and flexibility in managing your home’s electric baseboard heating system. Unlike traditional baseboard thermostats, a baseboard smart thermostat allows you to customize your heating schedule, control your home’s temperature settings remotely through a mobile app, and communicate with other smart home systems. By optimizing your heating schedule, baseboard smart thermostats can also help you save on electricity costs.

Which thermostat makes and models are eligible for the program?

Wi-Fi connecting baseboard smart thermostats made by Mysa and Sinopé are eligible for the program. Click here for a list of specific thermostat models that are eligible.

How do I enrol my baseboard smart thermostat(s) in myEnergy Rewards?

To enrol in myEnergy Rewards, first ensure you meet the eligibility requirements listed above. If you already have an eligible baseboard smart thermostat, complete the steps listed below for your specific thermostat:

  • To enrol your Mysa thermostat(s) in myEnergy Rewards, first complete the myEnergy Rewards Program Enrolment Form. Then, follow the prompts within the form to complete the connection of your thermostat to our program.
  • To enrol your Sinopé thermostat(s) in myEnergy Rewards, log in to your Éco Sinopé app and select the Hydro One myEnergy Rewards program. Then, choose the user profile that best suits your preferences.

If you encounter any difficulties during the enrolment process, please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-888-408-6030 (Monday to Friday 8am-5pm).

What is the incentive, and when can I expect it to be delivered?

When you're accepted into the program, you'll receive an upfront, one-time New Participant Incentive of $25 per thermostat, with a household maximum of 3 incentives ($75). It will be delivered as an e-gift card that will be emailed to you if you have an eligible smart thermostat(s) you’re enrolling.

Incentives for baseboard smart thermostats are limited to $75 per household regardless of the form of incentive delivery. After you have reached the household incentive limit, you may still enrol additional thermostats in the program if you wish. 

Do all of the baseboards in my home need to be controlled with smart thermostats in order to participate in the program?

No. You can participate in the program even if only one or some of the baseboards in your home are controlled by smart thermostats. However, only baseboard smart thermostats (not traditional baseboard thermostats) may enrol in the program.

What can I expect during an event when there’s high demand for electricity?

  • Before the event, your enrolled thermostat(s) may be adjusted up slightly (to ensure comfort).
  • During the event, the smart thermostat setpoint temperature will be adjusted down by a few degrees.
  • Once the event is over, your thermostat(s) will return to its normal setpoint and/or schedule.
  • There will be no more than 20 events throughout the entire program season.
  • You may opt out of an event at any time by manually changing the setpoint on your thermostat during an event.

Can I set minimum and maximum temperatures I experience in my home during an event?

All baseboard smart thermostat models that are eligible for this program have a built-in minimum temperature setting of 5C during a demand response event. This minimum temperature setting will override any temperature setback that is scheduled as part of an event. For clarity, Hydro One will only change your enrolled smart thermostat temperature by a few degrees from your current setpoint. Additionally, if you enrol in the program with a Sinopé thermostat, you may further customize the temperature changes you experience during DR events by selecting a user profile within the Éco Sinopé app.

What if I don’t have an eligible baseboard thermostat?

You can find eligible baseboard thermostats for purchase from the thermostat manufacturers listed below. Once you have purchased and installed your eligible thermostat, enrol in the program to be eligible for up to a $75 e-gift card.

What heating systems are compatible with baseboard smart thermostats?

Many electric baseboard heating systems are compatible with the baseboard smart thermostats that are eligible for this program. For more detailed information on specific system eligibility, please refer to the compatibility guidelines for your thermostat manufacturer:

  • Compatibility guidelines for Mysa
  • Compatibility guidelines for Sinopé