Peak Saver Program

[raptorfan]

I just got a letter from Hydro One concerning this program. Has anyone here signed up for it? Any info? What's it about and is it worth it? I went to the website but the link didn't seem to be working. If I can conserve and save some $ then I'd be interested.

[pintobean]

I am part of this program.

My system was installed on October 22, so I couldn't tell you anything about electricity savings yet...I will post an update when I get my next bill (which will probably be in December).

For what it's worth, my most recent bill came yesterday and covered the 60 day period from August 23 to October 23. I am kinda shocked at how high it was...they said I used 1041 kWh during that time period...by comparison, I only used 596 kWh during the exact same time frame last year. I am looking into this right now - the only thing that changed is that they installed a Smart Meter sometime during September of this year. I hope that they somehow didn't screw things up, as I find it hard to believe that my electricity usage went up almost 75% since last year.

[sunnyd71]

Please post a picture of the thermostat they give you. I just signed up and am wondering if it is an improvement to my old thermostat.

[coxdnn]

We had the PeakSaver installed on our AC. It is just a switch that turns the power off to the AC compressor when the utility is experiencing a potential lack of power in the system. This prevents the utility from being forced to buy expensive power from out-of-province, or potential black-outs.

You would be hard pressed to measure a difference in your monthly power consumption. The switch only activates for 15 minutes evey hour, but only in one of these power shortages. As more people participate in this program, they won't need to build as many new power plants. So that could save everyone some money. In the short term though, the $25 they gave us was good.

Cheers

[stealth]

How do the smart meters work? Do you get charged more for usage in peak hours or less for usage in off peak hours? Any of the gov't sites just spew out ecofriendly marketing speak without any real info.

[Jucius Maximus]

Does PeakSaver apply for condo towers?

[astroboi]

We received a letter too. In the list of requirements it didn't mention internet. Does this mean that they'll pay for it? :D

[sunnyd71]

I believe the unit connects to the Cellular Phone data network... that is the only wireless internet connection in my area so I assume it is correct. Anyone know for sure?

[jerryhung]

any link?
any info? how much it costs?


I am curious to know as well, not that I am a heavy user with little # of people in the household, but my original assumption was it's for companies rather individuals

[AndrewRFD]

any link?
any info? how much it costs?


I am curious to know as well, not that I am a heavy user with little # of people in the household, but my original assumption was it's for companies rather individuals

It's free. Have a look at the post from the green deals section. (http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/main.php/alldeals/comments/peaksaver_lower_energy_use_bills_in_ontario_free_p rogrammable_thermostat_25)

[DaVibe]

"Your power company will then be able to cycle down your air conditioning or other applicable appliance temporarily at select times. It will help reduce the strain on the electricity system on summer days when electricity use is at its peak."

I'll control it myself, thanks.

[jerryhung]

It's free. Have a look at the post from the green deals section. (http://www.redflagdeals.com/deals/main.php/alldeals/comments/peaksaver_lower_energy_use_bills_in_ontario_free_p rogrammable_thermostat_25)

Thanks, as I suspected, no KW yet (no Waterloo North Hydro or Kitchener Wilmont Hydro on the list)

[winger]

Oshawa Hydro has a pretty good FAQ page:
http://www.opuc.on.ca/conservation/peak-saver-faqs/

As other posters have said, there probably won't be any significant $ savings on your bill because it is only meant to reduce the demand during peak period, i.e. VERY hot summer day. At other times when the system is not strained, it will not cycle down your AC.


Others have asked about Smart Meters. Smart Meters are completely separate from Peak Saver. Smart Meters are physical meters installed in your house that are capable of measuring how much electricity you use, when you use it. (Old meters only keep and accumulated measure) Smart Meters are installed because the Ontario Energy Board would like to implement a different pricing structure called the Time of Use system - basically you'll get charged more during on-peak periods to encourage shifting electrical demand to off-peak hours. More info is available from IESO: http://www.ieso.ca/imoweb/infoCentre/ic_index.asp

Cheers! :razz:

[djltoronto]

I just got off the phone with the peaksaver toll free number for Oshawa...

after trying to find out more info on the specific model of the thermostat, this is all they could tell me.

No backlighting on the display
Not touchscreen
Not 7 day programable (it's 5 + 2)
Made by Honeywell

This is all she could give me. And she didn;t really sound like she knew much about the whole program at all.

She could not tell me the model number.
She could not confirm if I would have live access VIA the web to adjust temperatures for when I'm not home.

The lack of info is making me opt out.
My 7 day programable thermostat will work just fine, and I like to be able to control my own temperature.

[MacGyver]

I looked into this too, the thermostat is made by Cannon Technologies (the one pictured in this link: http://www.cannontech.com/products/dr.asp ) and has the Honeywell name and body. A pager is inside that will allow you to change things remotely, as well as allow the utility to set back your temperature setpoint during peak summer times.

This is all I could find out about the thermostat. The HydroOne SmartStat office doesn't have a clue. My neighbour has one, and I got a quick look at it. Seems to be all soft button control (no slider switches for heat-off-cool and fan-auto) so I don't know if you can schedule fan operation, etc.

I just said forget it. I'd rather buy something that I know will do what I want, even if this is "free"

[Hangar18]

I had the peaksaver thermostat installed last November. Just had it uninstalled 2 weeks ago. I was really keen on the web control and programming. The problem was the web control only worked twice out of the many times I tried it.

Called customer service, the call centre in in Georgia or something. The CSR's I spoke to were all rude and not well educated in technical support. I finally threw in the towel and told them to uninstall it when the CSR told me she could control my computer if she logged into my profile online. I laughed and went along with it.

She logs in and is asking me if I can see the buttons she's clicking on the website. It was pretty funny.

[JAC]

I found the notion of giving control of your thermostat to someone else quite unappealing, myself. Not to mention the issues inherent with linking it to the internet. I imagine it'd be quite amusing, though, to hack someone elses thermostat.

[MacGyver]

The SmartStat is not connected to the internet. Either you or your power company control the thermostat by going to a web portal, and then commands are sent to it via pager.

[Hangar18]

The SmartStat is not connected to the internet. Either you or your power company control the thermostat by going to a web portal, and then commands are sent to it via pager.

You're right, but if someone figured out your account number and password (my company set my default pw as my last name!), you could mess around with the temperature settings in someone's house pretty easy.

[cdnNick]

We are suppose to be getting this installed in April, I wonder if it's even worth it, doesn't sound like it works to well. They already screwed up the first appointment by coming 2 hours earlier they the confirmed time so no one was home.

[a109664]

Hi there,
I work at Honeywell and I am involved in the process of setting up the peak savers..
First .. I have one installed in my house because I believe in it.
Now just to clear some doubts.. the TSTAT is a Honey well TSTAT . You wouldnt be able to find this model in the market because its a specially designed unit for this program. Runs on a wireless technology.. the same way as a pager.. the same frequency.. In other words its like a pager..
You cannot view the TSTAT online you can just make changes to it. Try it once when your home that way you know it would work when your away ...
The reason for this is, its going to be expensive to have a technology that can communicate both ways, Plus the utility does not want private info as to what temp you set your TSTAT to?
As I have been reading through the conversation I see people belive your TSTAT is being controlled and another question about saving ?
Well first we all need to do our part to save. Have you thought about what we going to be giving to our kids when we leave?
The peak saver is a summer program which runs just for the A.C. So in the summer during days of high energy demand, your utility is going to increase youe TSTAT temp by 1 or 2 degree celcius. SO if you have it set to 20 itw ould go up to 21 or 22. Just for a mere of 4 hours.
If your house is well insulated it would take 1 hr to drop the temp by 1 degree. If you have a fan running it would compensate for the 1 - 2 degree change.
The program is just run in during weekdays usually between 12 noon-6pm.
not on weekened or holidays..
So for people who are working its not even an issue. The other things is , they do not run it everyday. May be 3-4 times for the whole summer.
You should ask people who have the peak saver installed, have they every felt it very hot when they run the program? The answer would be, no we did not even notice.
I have small kids in the house and my elderly mom and we never had an issue from 2 summers.
Some utilities are installing switches and some are installing TSTAT. They are talking about changing the model , with a better model. With a back light and some more features. The problem is, its a govt funded project and the money is tight. Thats the reason for using this TSTAT.
I am involved with the canada project, there is one in the U.S too..
For further info go to www.peaksaver.com or go to your utility website and they can assist you.
Have a nice day

[BillyLo]

Called Powerstream today and the person does not want to explain anything on the phone but just repeatedly ask if I want to join the program. Not helpful at all

[MacGyver]

Hi there,
I work at Honeywell and I am involved in the process of setting up the peak savers..Thanks for the info. We have no qualms about how the peaksaver aspect works. What we need is a PDF instruction manual for this thing, so we can see what ELSE it's capable of because that's what consumers care about. Peaksaver is fine and dandy, but otherwise is this thermostat better than the 5+2 programmable model I have now? If not, why would I have it installed in my home?

Unless the instructions are a classified document - because nobody from any of the utilities wants to explain anything in detail.

[a109664]

Thanks for the info. We have no qualms about how the peaksaver aspect works. What we need is a PDF instruction manual for this thing, so we can see what ELSE it's capable of because that's what consumers care about. Peaksaver is fine and dandy, but otherwise is this thermostat better than the 5+2 programmable model I have now? If not, why would I have it installed in my home?

Unless the instructions are a classified document - because nobody from any of the utilities wants to explain anything in detail.

here is the link to the manual
http://www.instruccionesweb.com/u2/pdf/termostato/Honeywell-T7512A-en.pdf

[a109664]

Called Powerstream today and the person does not want to explain anything on the phone but just repeatedly ask if I want to join the program. Not helpful at all

Take the name of the rep and talk to the supervisor? This is a great program to get into.
I have a detailed version of the program in this forum. If you need specifics just ask

[ferkel]

I also removed the Peaksaver device.. what a waste of taxpayers money. It's a totally useless device... Toronto Hydro doesn't even offer a choice of thermostat. It's just a big brick sized box that they attach to your outside wall.. that attaches to your air conditioner.

they should expose this HydroPeaksaver scam along with eHealth Ontario since I'm sure this is costing us billions of tax payer dollars

[240sxer]

I just signed up for this program and getting it installed next month..

OttawaHydro has a good FAQ
https://www.hydroottawa.com/conservation/index.cfm?lang=e&template_id=416

And I like the $25 gift, along with being able to control it from home and having a nice bright touch display from honeywell..

[superporky]

...your utility is going to increase your TSTAT temp by 1 or 2 degree celcius. SO if you have it set to 20 itw ould go up to 21 or 22. Just for a mere of 4 hours....

Does anyone know if the the temperature increase is relative to each homes average home temperature? I keep my AC at 25, I find that another degree or two higher makes a big difference. If most people keep their temp at 21-22 then it sounds like I am already doing my part to save the planet. Do the 3 pc's I run 24/7 count?...don't answer.

[azin sansation]

I recently called Toronto Hydro to remove the peaksaver device, but they've just sent me the gift card code. Am I still allow to redeem the gift card or will we slap a fee or penalty on my next bill?

[Green_Star]

Can some one post the pictures of this thermostat? What info this thermostat display shows? I am under Waterloo North Hydro.

[pintobean]

Can some one post the pictures of this thermostat? What info this thermostat display shows? I am under Waterloo North Hydro.
I don't know if Waterloo is using the same thermostat as Markham, but if you go to the website below, you can see a picture of the touchscreen thermostat that Markham customers will receive (it's in the middle of the page).

http://www.powerstream.ca/app/pages/CONWELCOME.jsp?para=showPage&docId=peaksaver&section=CONPRORES

[Green_Star]

I don't know if Waterloo is using the same thermostat as Markham, but if you go to the website below, you can see a picture of the touchscreen thermostat that Markham customers will receive (it's in the middle of the page).

http://www.powerstream.ca/app/pages/CONWELCOME.jsp?para=showPage&docId=peaksaver&section=CONPRORES

Thank you. Looks like waterloo also using same one. Can you point to this thermostat specs? I would like to know whether this one shows the humidity and can it control my humidifier?

[mhepco]

Doesn't look like it has humidity control :(. I found a user guide here:
http://www.powerstream.ca/ContentMgr/attachments/PowerStream-UtilityPro-QuickReferenceGuide.pdf

[HANSDEBERLIN]

I am a peak saver thermostat installer and I wonder why woud anyone want to install it. Do you really want more government control in your house?
Hydro already checks your daily electric consumption. Why would you want to let big brother into your bedroom? I think it is just another scam. Whom do you think benifits from this scam? Honeywell never issued tenders when they subcontructed installation. It is a maffia business!

Waste of taxpayers money!!!

[Green_Star]

I am a peak saver thermostat installer and I wonder why woud anyone want to install it. Do you really want more government control in your house?
Hydro already checks your daily electric consumption. Why would you want to let big brother into your bedroom? I think it is just another scam. Whom do you think benifits from this scam? Honeywell never issued tenders when they subcontructed installation. It is a maffia business!

Waste of taxpayers money!!!

I do not agree with this. I do not think Hydro is spending taxpayers money on this, they are spending from the gains of annual profits. Here my thoughts
Pros

You will get a nice thermostat for free
You can control the thermostat thru internet
Hydro can turn up your thermostat tempareture if there grid is on overload,(over load can trip there grid, if it is triped then they may have to spend lots of money to fix, thus we saving there money so they do not increse user charges

Cons

Annually they may control your thermostat 4-5 times, in business days and business hours


Now you decide which one benefits you.

[pintobean]

I am a peak saver thermostat installer and I wonder why woud anyone want to install it. Do you really want more government control in your house?
Hydro already checks your daily electric consumption. Why would you want to let big brother into your bedroom? I think it is just another scam. Whom do you think benifits from this scam? Honeywell never issued tenders when they subcontructed installation. It is a maffia business!

Waste of taxpayers money!!!
Please loosen your tin-foil hat before you cause yourself permanent damage.
Who cares if hydro checks my daily consumption?
They need to do that in order to bill me don't they?
And exactly how will this thermostat allow Big Brother into my bedroom?

I already have a programmable thermostat at home that essentially shuts down my AC during the day...I signed up for PeakSaver because their thermostat can be controlled through the internet which allows me to turn on the AC if I decide to leave work early. The fact that Hydro is giving me a bonus cheque is icing on top. I could care less if Honeywell or the mafia :lol: is making money off these things.