Have you felt in recent days that particular odor that spreads when the heating is turned on? We must face the facts, winter and its extreme cold are upon us. And Hydro-Quebec’s bills are saltier too.
But with dynamic pricing and a few good tips, there are ways to save money.
Moreover, the readers of Press last winter gave me their best tips after my column on the winter credit option. Some have managed to save hundreds of dollars without having to watch TV with woolen mittens.
Registration for Hydro-Québec’s dynamic pricing program is voluntary, after receipt of an email invitation.
Last winter, 61,000 households participated. This year, we hope to recruit 120,000 volunteers. Emails will be sent by mid-November.
Those chosen have two options. The one called “winter credit” provides a rebate when you reduce your electricity consumption during peak periods. These are announced the day before, by email or text. With this formula, there is no risk of paying more than usual.
The other option, the “Flex rate”, allows customers to benefit from a reduced rate all winter long. On the other hand, when the demand for electricity is strong, the cost per kilowatt hour climbs to 50 ¢, while the average base rate is 7.3 ¢. Warning !
In both cases, you will understand that the idea is to reduce its consumption during peak hours, either at breakfast and at dinner. It is at these times that the pressure is greatest on the Hydro-Québec network.
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Last winter, the winter credit saved an average of $ 40 and the Flex rate, $ 48. About twenty cutting-edge events took place. It doesn’t seem like much, but those averages are bound to be pulled down by everyone who signed up but didn’t participate. Or who have done it once or twice without much conviction.
Certainly, there is a way to save a lot more if I count your numerous testimonials.
“Last year I erased, in Hydro’s parlance, 585 kWh, which represents a saving of $ 292 on a total annual bill of $ 1941. A saving of 15%, ”Gilles Bouthillier wrote to me, giving me his list of tips. The winter before, he had saved $ 362 out of $ 1896, or 19%. The Bromont resident stops using the heating, turns off the air exchanger, does not use the oven and turns off the hot water tank circuit breaker.
The water heater thing is most often mentioned by those who get high credits of a few hundred dollars a winter. Parents say that this does not prevent them from giving the children a bath. Bruno L. found it “a little intense” to close the circuit manually, so he installed a timer.
If Hydro-Quebec suggests overheating your home before a peak event and then lowering the temperature by a few degrees, many go further.
Mathieu Primeau, from Beaconsfield, turns off the heat altogether during peak hours. His 1970s house isn’t as well insulated as recent ones, he says, but the maneuver doesn’t chatter his teeth. “We only increase by 1 ° C the rest of the day. Even on the coldest days, we never suffered from the cold in the house, which lost 2 or 3 ° C maximum, often less. His annual bill was reduced by $ 401.19 “with little effort.”
This strategy is also that of Richard Bélanger, owner of a 2000 sq. Ft. House.2 with central electric heating. He saved $ 430 in the first year. And last winter, his credit was $ 571.05. “I increase the heating by 2 ° C two hours before the peak period,” he explains.
Obviously, we wait until after the peak to start the washer, dryer and dishwasher. To plug in his electric car, too. Some will close the spa’s circuit breaker and unplug unused devices. Others take the opportunity to use their homes.
A lady says that she turns these periods into play with her children. A retiree gets up at 6 am, turns down the heat and takes the opportunity to go back to bed until 8:45 am. Others are doing tests to see which actions are the most profitable.
“I conclude that, for a light management of thermostat, dryer and dishwasher, with a current credit exceeding $ 300, the game is definitely worth the effort! »Patrice P.
Programmable thermostats, home automation, teleworking and retirement make this management much easier, readers note. With the return to the office, some may give up, if I read between the lines.
Dynamic pricing is still not unanimous. Why complicate your life for a few dollars? ask some Hydro-Quebec customers.
David B. feels at a disadvantage because he pays attention every day and the savings calculation takes into account the consumption of electricity during the five days preceding the peak. “Hydro-Quebec should find a way to also reward customers who have good consumption habits all year round,” he believes.
The idea is not bad. But a form of reward already exists: a softer annual bill.
Read the column “Supper with his tuque for $ 1.74”