Dynamic pricing

The Winter Credit Option and Rate Flex G are two dynamic rate options that could enable you to save money if you use less electricity at our request during peak demand events.

It’s a way of rewarding you for helping spread out electricity demand during the winter period.

You’ll be notified about peak demand events by email and, if you wish, through our mobile app, no later than 5 p.m. the day before.

We get results when we work together.

Since December 1, the actions taken by all participants reduced demand by 248 megawatts per peak demand event. That’s the equivalent of the average demand of 35,000 households per event!

See the overall results.

What’s dynamic pricing?

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Textual video transcription

Video transcript Dynamic Pricing

Two profitable rate offerings

Winter Credit Option

With this risk-free option, you’ll receive a credit if you reduce your electricity use during peak demand events. Your bill can only go down.

See the Winter Credit Option

Rate Flex G

Your savings potential is higher because you benefit from a reduced price all winter, except during peak periods, when the price is higher.

See Rate Flex G

Comparison of dynamic rate offerings with the base rate

Targeted period Rate G (base rate) Rate G with Winter Credit Option Rate Flex G
Summer period Base rate price Base rate price Base rate price
Winter period, outside of peak demand events Base rate price Base rate price Price lower than base rate
Winter period during peak demand events
(Max. 100 hours/winter) 		Base rate price Base rate price minus credit of * per kilowatthour (kWh) curtailed Price higher than base rate: * per kWh consumed
Days when peak demand events may occur 7 days a week Monday to Friday
Impact on bill in relation to base rate Potential for savings Risk-free: your bill can only get smaller Potential for substantial savings
Your bill can increase if consumption is not reduced during peak demand events

*Rate in effect as of April 1, . This table does not replace the Electricity Rates document in any way whatsoever.

Interested in dynamic pricing?

Compare the various offerings in your Customer Space.

Compare the rates and sign up

Compare the rates in your Customer Space to find out how much you could save and to sign up for the Winter Credit Option or Rate Flex G.

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Frequently asked questions

About dynamic pricing

Why has Hydro‑Québec come up with these rate offerings?

With these offerings, everyone is a winner. If you can reduce or shift electricity use at Hydro‑Québec’s request, you benefit, because your efforts translate into savings. Hydro‑Québec benefits because of the lower electricity demand during peak periods.

In addition to giving customers an opportunity to save on their bill, dynamic pricing reduces pressure on the power system during a hundred hours over the winter during extreme cold. Everyone wins when we consume energy responsibly.

Would Hydro‑Québec consider extending dynamic pricing to the summer?

No. In contrast to our Canadian and American neighbors, the demand for electricity in Québec is very strongly influenced by the use of electric heating systems in most homes. As a result, demand is much higher in winter than in summer. Even if air-conditioning use were to increase in Québec, it’s unlikely that demand would reach peak levels requiring the implementation of dynamic pricing in summer.

Enrollment

Am I required to sign up for the Winter Credit Option or Rate Flex G?

No. It’s up to you whether to take advantage of dynamic rate offerings or not, and you can cancel anytime.

I’m very interested in dynamic pricing. Can I sign up right away?

Yes. You can sign up right away in your Customer Space. Go to the Billing tab, and then select “Compare rates”.

Can I sign up for Rate Flex G if my service contract is at Rate M or G9?

If you have a Rate M or G9 service contract and you’d like more information about the dynamic Flex rate, please call 1 800 463‑9900 or write to business@hydro.qc.ca.

Peak demand events

When do peak demand events occur?

Peak demand events can take place from December 1 to March 31, from 6 to 9 a.m. and from 4 to 8 p.m. There may be 25 to 33 events per winter, at most, for a maximum of 100 hours in all.

How cold does it have to be to trigger a peak demand event?

There is no pre-established threshold, but the temperature is an important factor.

Peak demand events are scheduled when we anticipate high demand for electricity in Québec in winter. That’s the main consideration. It’s true that on cold days everyone uses a lot of energy at the same time, so thetemperature has an impact on demand forecasts. However, demand isn’t always the same for a given temperature. For example, if it is -10°C for several days in a row, demand for electricity will be greater on the last day than on the first.

Other factors that affect the forecasted demand have to do with operating constraints related to electricity supply as well as power transmission and distribution. To manage power demand, Hydro‑Québec diligently applies all the means at its disposal, including dynamic pricing.

Why don’t peak demand events occur systematically every day during peak hours?

By targeting fewer hours (maximum of 100 per winter), we can offer a more significant price difference between peak periods and off-peak periods, which optimizes your savings potential.