peaksaver ® Frequently Asked Questions

What is the peaksaver program?
Renfrew Hydro, with support from the Ontario Power Authority, is making it simple for you to help Ontario meet its electricity requirements. Customers can sign up for the peaksaver program and help reduce the strain on the power grid during summer peak demand times. This program is only available in areas where electricity usage is higher in summer than in winter.

Can I participate in the peaksaver program?
Any Renfrew Hydro residential customer who has central air conditioning and receives a bill from Renfrew Hydro is eligible for the peaksaver program.

Small Business customers are eligible if your air conditioners are approximately the same size as those used by residential customers. If you do not own the building you must have your landlord or property manager's approval to participate. Please contact us to obtain the peaksaver program participation agreement form and have your landlord complete and sign the area on the form granting permission for equipment installation.

How does the program work?
With your permission, Renfrew Hydro will install a programmable thermostat valued at $350 that allows us to cycle your air conditioner and reduce its run time - typically weekday afternoons during the hottest days of the summer, not on holidays or weekends.

In addition to peaksaver, what other ways can I help?
Here are three ways you can reduce the strain on the electricity system during peak times (weekdays between noon and 8 p.m.):

* Delay using major appliances like clothes dryers, washing machines and dishwashers until after 8pm.
* Turn up your air conditioning thermostat higher than 24 degrees Celsius (use fans instead to stay cool)
* Turn off all unnecessary lights (use compact fluorescent light bulbs for essential lights - they use 75% less electricity).

Do I receive anything for participating?
In addition to the free, professionally installed programmable thermostat, saving energy and benefiting the environment, a $25 incentive will be provided to customers who sign up for the peaksaver program.

How will I get my money?
You will receive a cheque from Renfrew Hydro in the mail. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery after installation.

Will it cost me anything to participate?
It will not cost you anything to participate. This is a voluntary program. Just for signing up and having the free programmable thermostat, professionally 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.

Your heating costs in the winter could be reduced through the use of the programmable thermostat. Setting the temperature back in winter and up in summer while your home or business is unoccupied will produce savings.

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 participate?
Yes, you can still participate. Your landlord will must provide written permission to have the peaksaver programmable thermostat installed. Please download the peaksaver program participation agreement form and have your landlord complete and sign the area on the form granting permission for equipment installation.

Won't it be sweltering when I get home?
Participants last summer said they hardly noticed. The peaksaver event is typically transparent to the participant. Over the short period there is only a very small rise in temperature.

I live in a townhouse, am I eligible?
If your unit has a separate central air conditioning unit and you receive a bill from Renfrew Hydro, you are eligible for the peaksaver program.

Do I have to participate?
No you do not have to participate. peaksaver is a voluntary program and you can exit the program at any time. We are 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.

Do I have to be home when this is installed?
Yes, you must to be home for our qualified professionals to install your thermostat.

I don't want strangers in my house. How will I know if the people who arrive are legitimate?
Rest assured that the installation will be done by a qualified professional installer working on behalf of Renfrew Hydro. When the installer comes to your door you can ask for Renfrew Hydro identification.

Why do the OPA and Renfrew Hydro offer this program?
Programs like peaksaver help everyone in the long run by reducing the need to import electricity and reducing the pressures on our distribution system. peaksaver will help to reduce the emissions caused by electricity generation and help to reduce the number of smog days.

Which of my home appliances are eligible for peaksaver?
To qualify you must be a Renfrew Hydro customer and have central air conditioning that is in good working order.

If I am unhappy with peaksaver, can I stop being part of the program?
Yes, if for whatever reason you are not happy, please contact us to speak to a representative.

What happens if I'm using an appliance during the time it will be shut off?
Nothing. peaksaver will simply cycle your air conditioner so it runs half as long for a brief period of time. The only change may be a very slight increase in temperature - most people will not notice a change at all. peaksaver does not impact any other appliances in your home.

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 can be directed to the Renfrew Hydro - 613-432-4884

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.

What is the Ontario Power Authority?
This is an organization set up by the Ontario provincial government to plan the Ontario power system, develop generation, develop the electricity sector and encourage electricity conservation.