peaksaver FAQs

peaksaver® Program FAQs

What is the peaksaver program?

The peaksaver program is an effort to reduce the strain on our electrical system. Area residents and small businesses that have central air conditioning, and/or pool pumps that choose to participate will have a programmable thermostat installed at no charge. During periods of peak electricity demand, Enersource Hydro Mississauga will have the ability to control these thermostats to cycle down power consumed by your central air conditioner.

How does peaksaver work?

During periods of peak electricity demand (May through September), when heavy use of air conditioners places a strain on the electrical grid, Enersource Hydro Mississauga may control the thermostats of peaksaver participants. If you are a peaksaver participant who has a peaksaver thermostat installed Enersource Hydro Mississauga will send a signal to raise your thermostat one or two degrees or cycle your compressor off and on for a short period of time. Your fan will continue to operate to keep the cool air flowing throughout your home or business.

What do I get for participating?

As a peaksaver participant, you will have a programmable thermostat professionally installed at no charge (a value of approximately $250.00).  Your old thermostat will be given to you, or placed beside your furnace.  Your new peaksaver thermostat will be programmed to suit your lifestyle, which will save you money, and you’ll be able to change the settings of your thermostat through the Internet.  You will also receive a one time incentive cheque of $25.00.

Who is eligible to enrol in peaksaver?

You must be an Enersource Hydro Mississauga customer, own the home or building and have central air conditioning to be eligible for peaksaver.

Can I really make a difference by participating?

Yes. By participating, you and hundreds of other consumers will help reduce the demand on the electrical system during peak periods. By doing your part, you are making a significant contribution to reducing electricity demand and improving the environment.

We anticipate that peaksaver reduces the demand on the electrical system by approximately 1 to 2 kilowatts per home. That’s the equivalent of turning off ten to twenty 100 watt light bulbs. This may enable Ontario to import less electricity and delay the need to build additional power plants and facilities – that saves everyone money.

How long will the installation process take?

About 30 to 45 minutes per device depending on the specifics of your system.

If I do not own the house, can I still enrol?

You will need authorization from the homeowner before you can enrol.

I live in a townhouse. Am I eligible?

If you own the dwelling and it has a separate central air conditioning unit, you are eligible to sign up for peaksaver.

I’m the owner of an apartment building – am I eligible for the peaksaver program?

Multi-tenant buildings are not eligible at this time. We are only enrolling customers with a central air conditioning unit such as those found in a typical residential home or a business with roof top air conditioning units.

I have a room air conditioner. Can I participate in the program?

No, the thermostat only works on central air conditioning systems.

Why is Enersource Hydro Mississauga running this program?

Enersource Hydro Mississauga is always looking for ways to help its customers and the province conserve electricity. Programs like peaksaver help reduce the demand for electricity, which will help to reduce the requirement for new electricity supply and the need to import electricity. It will reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by some forms of electricity generation, and improve air quality.

Won’t Ibe uncomfortable if Enersource Hydro Mississauga increases the temperature of my premises by one or two degrees, especially when it’s hot?

Typically, most people do not even notice that the temperature has been raised. With a peaksaver thermostat, your inside fan will continue to run during the load control event to help maintain a comfortable temperature.

Will it cost me anything to participate?

It will not cost you anything to participate and there is no maintenance fee. In fact, if you have central air conditioning and participate in peaksaver, a programmable thermostat will be installed at no charge, you will also receive a one time incentive cheque of $25.

How much money could peaksaver potentially save me?

The program will save everyone money by keeping the cost of power lower, and reducing future need to import electricity or build new generation capacity. In addition, you could see energy savings of up to 20 per cent in the coming year if you replace an old conventional thermostat with a peaksaver programmable thermostat and use the features of the programmable thermostat to set the temperature in your home or business.

How do I request that my equipment not be controlled on a particular date?

If you would like to opt out of the program on a particular date, please call the peaksaver Call Centre at 1-866-323-0206 and an exemption will be scheduled.

If I am unhappy with peaksaver, can I stop being part of the program?

Yes.  You may exit the peaksaver program at any time during the warranty period (one year) at no cost by calling the customer service centre at 1-866-323-0206. If you exit the program after the warranty period, you will be responsible for reinstalling your old thermostat at your cost.

Is this program only in Mississauga?

No. The peaksaver program started in Toronto and is being expanded to other cities in Ontario.

How many homes and businesses are part of peaksaver in Mississauga?

Currently, Enersource Hydro Mississauga has 4,000 members enrolled and hope to increase that number significantly. This represents Enersource Hydro Mississauga customers only. Other utilities throughout the province are running the peaksaver program in their regions as well.

Will load control initiatives eventually become mandatory for all homes?

No. peaksaver is a voluntary program that allows customers to play an active role in reducing electricity demand and improving the environment.

What happens if I’m using my air conditioning when a load control event occurs?

You will not need to do anything; most people will not notice a change at all.

Do I have to adjust my thermostat or change any other settings?

No, the technician that installs your thermostat will work with you to program it to meet your needs, schedule and circumstances. After that, there is nothing you are required to do. Participation in the program is easy and requires no effort, time or investment.

Will this damage my air conditioner or void any warranty?

The peaksaver device installed in your home will not damage any of your equipment. The thermostat sends signals to your fan and air conditioning unit.  All peaksaver devices simply turn off/on the equipment they are connected to, so no damage will result and no warranties will be voided.

Who do I call if I have questions or problems?

Any questions can be directed to the peaksaver Call Centre at 1-866-323-0206.

My peaksaver thermostat was just installed, why can’t I control it over the Internet?

You should be able to access your thermostat within 7-14 days following the installation. If you still experience difficulties at that time, please call the peaksaver Call Centre at 1-866-323-0206.