Energy efficiency is a key focus for both utility providers and consumers, especially during peak periods of demand. Hydro-Québec's Hilo smart home service offers a way for households to reduce their energy consumption while earning rewards. With the integration of smart thermostats like Mysa, participating in Demand Response (DR) programs has never been easier. In this blog, we'll explore how consumers benefit from DR programs, how smart thermostats for baseboard heating are simplifying consumer participation, and how Mysa Smart Thermostats are now working with Hilo by Hydro-Québec to empower homeowners to reduce their energy use and earn rewards.
Let's get started!
Table of Contents:
- What is Demand Response and How Does It Benefit Consumers?
- How Smart Thermostats Simplify Demand Response Participation
- Mysa Smart Thermostats Are Now Eligible for Hilo by Hydro-Québec
- Summary
1. What is Demand Response and How Does It Benefit Consumers?
Demand Response programs are designed to reduce electricity consumption during peak periods by incentivizing households to lower their energy use. In Québec, this is especially relevant during cold winter months when heating demands are high. Hilo by Hydro-Québec encourages customers to reduce their energy use by adjusting their thermostat settings during pre-defined periods, referred to as "Hilo Challenges."
Hilo and Mysa Smart Thermostats are making it easy for consumers to contribute to a more stable and greener energy system while directly benefiting from energy savings.
- Financial rewards - participants earn cash rewards for each kilowatt-hour they save during these challenges. In the 2023-2024 season, customers averaged $135 in rewards!
- Cash bonuses \u2013 participants who connect their Mysa Smart Thermostats to the Hilo app receive up to $350 in cash bonuses, or $35 per device.
2. How Smart Thermostats Simplify Participation in DR Programs
Smart thermostats have become indispensable tools for consumers looking to participate in energy-saving programs like Hilo. These devices simplify the process of responding to peak demand by automating temperature adjustments, giving users greater control and flexibility.
Here's how they help:
- Automation - smart thermostats can automatically adjust the home's temperature during Hilo Challenges (DR events), ensuring that consumers don't have to make manual changes.
- Real-time adjustments - participants can receive notifications and make real-time changes in their energy consumption, allowing them to better manage their energy usage.
- Pre-set modes - in Hilo Challenges, consumers can choose between different modes (Moderate, Intrepid, or Extreme) to control how much their thermostat temperature drops, with higher reductions yielding more rewards.
- Convenience and comfort - with remote access via user-friendly apps, smart thermostats allow homeowners and tenants to optimize comfort while participating in energy-saving events, even when they aren't home.
Smart thermostats are key to ensuring seamless participation in DR programs while maintaining comfort and convenience for consumers.
3. Mysa Smart Thermostats Now Eligible for Hilo by Hydro-Québec Smart Home Service
Mysa Smart Thermostats, popular for their energy-efficient management of electric heating systems, are now eligible for the Hilo service. This addition allows even more households to effortlessly participate in Quebec's energy transition.
Key features of Mysa Smart Thermostats in the Hilo service:
- Designed for electric baseboard heating - Mysa's focus on electric heating systems makes it ideal for Québec's cold winters, enabling precise control of electric baseboard heaters, in-floor heating, and more.
- Optimized for Hilo Challenges - Mysa users can easily join Hilo Challenges, allowing their thermostats to automatically reduce the temperature during peak times and earn cash rewards for energy savings.
- Seamless integration - Mysa integrates with the Hilo app, letting users track their performance during challenges and control their participation modes.
With Mysa's inclusion in the Hilo service, more households can maximize their energy savings while helping to take pressure off the grid.
Summary
Hydro-Québec's Hilo Demand Response program provides a practical and rewarding way for consumers to reduce energy consumption during peak periods, contributing to a more sustainable energy future. Smart thermostats for baseboard heaters, like Mysa Smart Thermostats, make it easier for consumers to participate, offering automation, real-time control, and more consistent comfort.
By joining Hilo Challenges, Mysa users aren't just saving money - they're reducing their environmental impact with little to no effort. As smart home technologies continue to advance, partnerships like Mysa and Hilo by Hydro-Québec are empowering homeowners to participate in the creation of a greener future.
Curious about whether or not your home's electric HVAC system is compatible with Mysa Smart Thermostats? Visit our quick and easy Compatibility Checker to discover what Mysa products might work best for you.