DR Option: Tips that pay off in winter

The key: Using electricity at the right time

When the cold weather sets in, electricity consumption skyrockets in Québec. During peak demand events, everyone needs to use less electricity. Businesses are no exception. Companies that have signed up for the DR Option are doing their part and they receive an attractive credit for their efforts at the end of the winter season. The more significant the reduction in power demand, the higher the credit. The key to success is to use electricity at the right time. To maximize energy savings, all you need to know is which measures to take before, during and after the winter season.

Get ready before winter arrives.

Every successful project starts with a good plan. Before winter arrives, take a look at the measures recommended by energy experts to reduce your electricity use during peak demand periods. Select those that are aligned with your objectives and with the investment you want to make.

Some measures are inexpensive and easy to implement. For instance, you can do the following:

• Slow down or stop an inefficient process for a few hours.
• Stop non‑essential machinery or equipment and use that time to do maintenance.
• Lower the heat in certain areas if possible.

Other measures may require more effort or a higher investment because equipment may need to be added or updated. But rest assured—the savings will reflect the investment you make. Consider the following options:

• Automatically adjust your heating, air‑conditioning and ventilation systems by implementing a building automation system.
• Install thermal storage to store energy during off‑peak hours for use during peak demand periods.
• Occasionally switch to another energy source.

Once you’ve selected your measures, set up a structured process:

• Make sure the emails announcing the peak demand events are sent to the key people. Go to your Customer Space to update the names and email addresses of the people in question.
• Make sure the designated employees are trained and ready to apply the consumption reduction measures selected by your company.
• Consider automating the measures to avoid oversights and improve efficiency by implementing a building automation system.

You’ll see, winter will hold no surprises for you!

During the winter season: Analyze, assess and optimize!

Once winter is well and truly here, it’s time to put your plan into action. Each peak demand event is an opportunity to optimize your performance.

• Analyze your electricity use – After peak demand events, assess your consumption data in your Customer Space. Compare the consumption peaks with those from the days prior to the peak demand events.
• Assess your results – If the results fall short of your expectations, fine-tune your strategy for future peak demand events. Did your efforts pay off? Be sure to celebrate your success and keep going!
• Document your practices – It’s a good way to continually improve and share good practices with your teams.

Need support?

Our experts are here to guide you all winter long to help you maximize your credit. Your options:

• Contact your account representative.
• Call your agent by dialling 1 800 463‑9900 and entering the access code on your electricity bill.
• Send us an email.

After the winter season: Receive your credit and review your results.

At the end of the winter season, the good news will arrive via email! You’ll receive a notice indicating the date on which the credit will be applied. The amount obtained thanks to your efforts will be indicated on your electricity bill. You’ll have a clear picture of how much you saved.

Review your performance for the season. Which measures worked well? Which ones can be improved upon or added to your plan for next winter? You’ll always find ways to do a little more and improve. Each successful adjustment is one step closer to an even higher credit.