What is the Double Return Program?
It's a simple proposition: reduce your peak electricity demand between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. during business hours (excluding holidays) and we'll pay you for it — twice.
Who is eligible for the program?
- All of Hydro One Networks' transmission-connected and commercial/industrial distribution customers with interval meters are eligible for this program and are automatically enrolled (except those participating in other OPA-sponsored demand reduction programs).
- All it takes is for you to reduce your company's average peak consumption between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. by a minimum of 5% over the program period and you will be rewarded with a cheque from Hydro One for double the amount of what you saved in delivery charges.
To learn more about the Double Return Program, read our FAQs for Commercial/Industrial Distribution customers (PDF 295 KB), or our FAQs for Transmission-connected customers (PDF 295 KB).
How can my business benefit?
Take control of your electricity costs and make a positive return on your bottom line. When you reduce average peak electricity demand by 5-10% between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. during business days, Hydro One will give your company a cheque for double the amount of what you save in delivery charges.
Trimming a controllable cost can realize a positive return. The 5-10% reduction in peak can be achieved by rescheduling processes, reduced HVAC, shutting down non critical equipment or through energy saving measures with minimal or no impact on normal business operations.
To help you reduce your electricity consumption, download these Energy Efficiency Guides for different technologies:
Where can I find up-to-date information about my peak load?
Starting January 1, 2009, click the "Login" button to access a secure, confidential websitewhere you can find your current peak information, savings targets and associated financial incentives. Peak load information will be updated on a weekly basis.
Commercial/Industrial Distribution customers' hourly load profiles can be accessed by logging into https://intervaldata.HydroOne.com
Transmission-connected customers' hourly load profiles can be accessed by logging into the IESO's website at https://portal.ieso.ca.
How does the program work?
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All you need to do is to reduce your company’s peak electricity demand by a minimum of 5% (from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., on business days, excluding weekends and holidays) during the program period and you will be rewarded with a cheque from Hydro One for double the amount of what you save, up to a maximum of 10% in delivery charges.
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The program runs from January 1, 2009 to March 31, 2009.
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Savings will be calculated based on the comparison of your current 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. business day 3-month average peak to the average peak in the same period of the previous year.
Example:
Average Monthly Peak (7 a.m. - 7 p.m.):
|
2 MW |
Average Monthly Consumption:
|
1250 MWh |
TARGET
|
|
10% Load Reduction
(through reduced lighting, HVAC, and non-critical equipment usage or through on-site generation)
|
200 kW |
SAVINGS (200 kW/2 MW)
|
10% |
Program Impact
(all figures are approximate and signify maximum potential for savings)
Customer Savings/month
|
|
Reduced Delivery Charges/month (200kW)
|
$2,400 |
Energy (kWh) Reduction/month
(up to 125MWh)*
|
$6,000 |
Double Return Incentive/month
(delivery charges)
|
$4,800 |
Total Monthly Savings
|
$13,200 |
Total Savings for 3 months
|
$39,600 |
* Assumes savings due to reduced load and consumption.
Customers who require assistance in developing a plan to reduce peak demand can take advantage of one-on-one consultations with an energy specialist. At your request, a Hydro One energy expert will visit your company to conduct a walk-through to identify peak reduction opportunities. E-mail DoubleReturn@HydroOne.com or call 1-877-345-6942 to book your consultation today.
Will I get more back if I reduce my peak by more than 10%?
Incentives are capped at 10%, but you'll continue to make real gains on your bottom line from the additional savings trimmed off your electricity costs!
What are my costs to participate?
There is no fee to participate in the Double Return Program. However, how much your company invests in energy efficiency improvements is really up to you. A walk-through of your company’s facility may prove that a 5 - 10% reduction in peak electricity load is achievable through operational changes at little or no cost.