Power your home — and your community
Funded by Natural Resources Canada and delivered by Hydro Ottawa Limited, GridFlex is a voluntary program in select areas of Kanata and Stittsville that rewards you for shifting electricity use during periods of high demand.
Connect your smart devices, help support a more reliable grid, and earn rewards—without disrupting your routine.
Why join GridFlex?
Earn rewards
Get rewarded for participating.
No effort required
Connect eligible devices and participate automatically - or take part manually through reducing your electricity usage during GridFlex events.
Support your community
Be part of an innovative project shaping the future of energy in Ottawa.
More reliable power
Helps reduce pressure on the grid during high demand periods.
How it works
1. Check your eligibility
See if your home is in a participating area of Kanata or Stittsville.
2. Sign up and choose how to participate
Automatic: Connect your smart thermostat, EV, or battery storage system
Manual: Participate in GridFlex events by shifting your usage when notified
3. Earn rewards
Receive rewards for enrolling and for participating throughout the program.
GridFlex rewards
Rewards depend on how you participate:
Automatic (devices)
- Smart thermostats: A $75 device enrollment reward per device (up to 3) and a $20 annual reward per device.
- Electric vehicle (EV): A $75 device enrollment reward and a $20 annual reward
- Battery storage (BESS): A $500 system enrollment reward and a $250 annual reward for existing systems [Coming soon]
- New battery storage systems: Incentives for new installations coming soon. Fill out our contact form below for updates.
Manual (no devices required)
- A $25 program sign-up reward
- $1.50 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) reduced during events, based on your typical usage
What are GridFlex events?
GridFlex events are short, time-limited periods - typically on hot summer days - when electricity demand is highest.
During these events, your connected devices may automatically adjust slightly, or you can choose to reduce your usage manually. You stay in control at all times.
See GridFlex in action
Watch how GridFlex works and how easy it is to participate.
Ready to get started?
Join GridFlex today and start earning rewards while supporting your community.
GridFlex FAQs
- What is GridFlex?
GridFlex is a voluntary rewards program, funded by Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) and delivered by Hydro Ottawa, that helps reduce electricity use during periods of high demand. By participating, you can earn rewards while helping support a more reliable, efficient electricity system in your community. - How do I participate?
There are two ways to participate:
Automatic: Connect your eligible devices (such as a smart thermostat, electric vehicle, or battery storage system*). During events, small temporary adjustments are made automatically to reduce electricity demand.
*Note: Battery storage system enrollment begins mid May 2026.
Manual: Receive notifications by email or text and choose how to reduce your electricity use during events. - Why should I join GridFlex?
GridFlex makes it easy to take part in shaping a smarter energy future. You can:
Earn rewards for reducing electricity use during high-demand periods.
Help improve grid reliability in your community.
Support Hydro Ottawa in learning how to better manage and plan for future energy needs.
- Who can participate in GridFlex?
GridFlex is currently available to residential customers with accounts in good standing in select areas of Kanata and Stittsville. Small businesses with accounts in good standing may also be eligible to enroll smart thermostats. - I am a renter. Can I participate?
Yes, renters can participate if they are the primary Hydro Ottawa account holder. Battery storage systems (BESS) are not eligible for renters due to installation requirements. - Why was my GridFlex registration not accepted?
As a pilot program, GridFlex has specific eligibility requirements. Registrations are typically declined for one of the following reasons:- Geographic location: The program is currently limited to select areas of Kanata and Stittsville.
- Account mismatch: Your registration details must match your active Hydro Ottawa account exactly.
- Program conflicts: Devices cannot be enrolled in more than one demand response program at a time.
- Which thermostats are eligible?
The program currently supports several pre-qualified models: Google Nest, ecobee, Honeywell, and Sensi. Enrollment is done either through the GridFlex program page or the manufacturer’s app. Which electric vehicles (EVs) are eligible?
Many electric vehicles with connected charging capabilities are supported through GridFlex.To participate, your vehicle must:
- Be connected through a supported integration
- Primarily charge at your home
Be linked to your Hydro Ottawa account
See a full list of supported vehicles and compatibility details here.
- Which battery systems are eligible?
At this time, Tesla Powerwall systems are eligible. Additional battery systems may be added as the program evolves. - What if my device is already enrolled in another program?
A single device (e.g., one specific thermostat or one specific EV) cannot be enrolled in more than one demand response program at a time. However, you can have different devices in your home enrolled in different programs. - Can I participate in GridFlex if I am already enrolled in Peak Perks?
If you’re already enrolled in Save on Energy’s Peak Perks Program there is nothing you need to change. You can stay enrolled in Peak Perks for your smart thermostat and still access GridFlex for our battery storage and electric vehicle offers. - Where can I find instructions to register my ecobee for GridFlex?
You can download the official Ecobee Enrollment PDF for a full walkthrough of the smartphone app registration process.
- What rewards can I earn?
Rewards depend on how you participate:
Automatic (devices)
- Smart thermostats: A $75 device enrollment reward per device (up to 3) and a $20 annual reward per device.
- EVs: $75 sign-up reward and a $20 annual reward
- Battery storage (BESS): $500 sign-up reward and a $250 annual reward for existing systems. [Coming soon]
- New battery storage installations: Incentives for new installations coming soon. Fill out our contact form for updates.
Manual (no devices required)
- $25 sign-up reward
- $1.50 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) reduced during events, based on your typical usage
- How do I participate in the Manual track?
During an event, you can choose how to reduce electricity use. For example:
- Delay using large appliances (e.g. dishwasher, laundry)
- Adjust your thermostat by a few degrees
- Reduce or delay hot water usage (e.g. showers or baths)
- Turn off non-essential lights and unplug electronics.
- When and how will I receive my rewards?
- Sign-up rewards: Typically issued within 1 to 2 weeks after successful registration and/or device verification.
- Event and annual rewards: Issued after the season ends (after September 30). You should receive these within 1 to 2 weeks after the season closes. You can track your manual earnings throughout the summer via the GridFlex platform.
Rewards are sent as a Virtual Prepaid Mastercard® to your registered email address.
- Can I track my contributions?
Yes. Your total rewards to date and Total kWh savings to date are displayed on the My Dashboard screen in the GridFlex portal. Please be aware that it may take up to one week for these figures to update.
- Are there limits on rewards?
Yes. Customers are eligible for:
- One sign-up reward per device
- One annual reward per device, per season
- Re-enrolling the same device does not qualify for an additional sign-up reward.
- How long is the virtual prepaid Mastercard valid?
The Virtual Prepaid Mastercard® is valid for 6 months from the date it is sent. If your card expires, you can request a new activation link from ChoiceDigital at [email protected].
- When do GridFlex events occur?
Events typically occur on non-holiday weekdays between June 1 and September 30, usually between 12:00 PM and 9:00 PM. - How will I know an event is happening?
You will be notified by email or text before an event begins (through the contact info in your Hydro Ottawa MyAccount) typically at least 24 hours in advance. Some events may be scheduled on shorter notice. - What happens during an event?
Automatic track:
Your enrolled devices may make small, temporary adjustments (such as adjusting your thermostat or shifting EV charging).
Manual track:
You choose how to reduce your electricity use during an event. - What if I don’t participate in an event?
Participating is always optional. If you choose not to participate, there is no penalty, but you may not earn rewards for that event. - Do I lose control of my home or devices?
No, you are always in control. You can override any automatic device adjustment or choose not to take action at any time. - Can I participate in both the Automatic and Manual track?
To ensure accurate measurement, you can only participate in one track at a time. If you have a supported device, we recommend the Automatic track for a “hands-off” experience. - Can I switch between Automatic and Manual track?
If you would like to switch, please contact customer support. - Do I need a professional to install my equipment?
For thermostats and EVs, no professional installation is required. If you are participating in the Manual track, you simply use the appliances and devices you already have. For battery storage (BESS), however, installation must be performed by a licensed electrical contractor, and the system must receive a Connection Agreement from Hydro Ottawa.
- Can I choose how I receive event notifications?
Yes. You can choose to receive event notifications by email or SMS (text message) through your GridFlex settings. This can be done in the Profile screen in the GridFlex portal.
By default, event notifications are sent by email. If you would like to receive SMS notifications, you must enable this option and provide a mobile phone number. - Do I need to provide a mobile phone number to participate?
No, a mobile phone number is not required to participate in GridFlex.
However, if you would like to receive SMS notifications for events, you will need to provide a mobile phone number and opt in to text notifications. - Can I choose my preferred language for communications?
Yes. GridFlex communications are available in English and French.
The default language is English. If you update your language preference in your GridFlex account settings, your future communications will be sent in your selected language.
- What happens if I move?
GridFlex participation is tied to your home’s electricity meter. If you move, you will be automatically unenrolled from the program for your previous address. You may be eligible to enroll again at your new address if it is within the program area. - What if I no longer want to participate in the program?
Participation is entirely voluntary. If you decide the program isn’t right for you, please visit hydroottawa.com/gridflex/help to submit a form request to de-enroll from the program. - Can I re-enroll after leaving the program?
Yes, you can re-enroll at any time if you remain eligible. However, to ensure your account and devices are set up correctly for a second time, you will need to contact our customer support team at 1-844-417-3482 to complete the process.
- What data is collected?
Hydro Ottawa only collects limited data from your devices (such as availability and energy use) to manage events and calculate rewards. - How is my data used?
Your data is used only for program operation and is protected under Hydro Ottawa’s privacy standards. - What if my device is offline during an event?
If your device is not connected or available during an event, it may not participate, and you may not earn rewards for that event. - What if I have an issue during enrollment or an event?
If you need help, our dedicated support team is available to assist you. You can reach us by calling 1-844-417-3482 or submit a contact form at hydroottawa.com/gridflex/help
Terms and conditions
Review the full GridFlex terms and conditions to understand program details, eligibility requirements, and participation guidelines.