As Ontario continues to endure a blistering heat wave, many residents are cranking up their air conditioning — and racking up electricity bills in the process. But thanks to a provincial program called Peak Perks, you can now stay cool and get rewarded for it.
Launched in 2023, Peak Perks is a smart thermostat program aimed at easing pressure on Ontario’s electricity grid during peak usage hours. With humidex values soaring to 46°C in cities like Toronto and Brampton this week, the timing couldn’t be better.
How It Works
If you have a smart thermostat, you can enroll your home or small business in the program. During extremely hot days — up to 10 times per summer — your thermostat will be automatically adjusted by no more than 2°C to reduce energy consumption. These events don’t happen on weekends or holidays, and you’ll be notified ahead of time via your thermostat’s mobile app.
Before the slight increase, your system may pre-cool your home to keep it comfortable. If at any time you’re unhappy with the adjustment, you can simply override it using your app or thermostat settings — opting out doesn’t affect your rewards.
What You Get
- A $75 prepaid Mastercard when you first enroll
- $20 each year you stay in the program
- Additional $75 rebates on smart thermostats via the Home Renovation Rebate Program
- Eligible Enercare and Reliance customers can also earn matching $75 rewards and $20 annual bonuses through affiliated programs
You could also qualify for a free smart thermostat through the Save on Energy Affordability Program, making it even easier for families to reduce bills during the summer months.
Huge Response Already
As of June 2025, more than 250,000 Ontarians are enrolled in Peak Perks, making it one of the fastest-growing energy-saving programs in North America. In 2024 alone, the program cut peak electricity demand by up to 187 megawatts — equivalent to the energy used by over 180,000 homes in one hour.
With more enrollments expected this year, the Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) says Peak Perks could save more than 200 MW in peak demand — a critical step toward cleaner, more efficient energy use in Ontario.
Ready to Save?
To check if you qualify and enroll in Peak Perks, visit SaveOnEnergy.ca. Stay cool, save money, and help Ontario keep the grid running smoothly — all at the same time.