Green Button

You can access Green Button in different ways.

First, go to Hydro Ottawa’s Green Button access page.

You can log in using your Hydro Ottawa MyAccount existing credentials:

• Current MyAccount email and password

or

You can sign in using the information on your last Hydro Ottawa bill:

• Enter your account number (20 digits);
• Enter your kWh consumption; and 
• Enter your last bill’s ‘’Due Date’’.

When downloading your data, you will receive a computer-readable Extensible Markup Language (XML) file. You will need an application to properly read and determine the content of the file.

Customers wishing to authorize third-party access to their Green Button data must first start in the third-party software. Third-party providers will then link you to Hydro Ottawa's Green Button authentication process so you can log in and select what information you want to share with them.

What is Green Button?

Green Button is a North American industry standard data specification being adopted by many utilities as part of an ongoing effort to provide their customers with better access to their energy usage information. Green Button defines a standard format of sharing account information and consumption data so that third-party applications and software can easily use this information, no matter who your utility company is.  Green Button standardization helps all utilities effectively speak the same language.

What can I use Green Button for?

Green Button allows you to download your detailed energy usage and account information in a secure format. You can share this file with third-party developers who offer innovative tools to help you understand and analyze your energy consumption.

Green Button has two key components – “Downloaded My Data” and “Connect My Data”.

What is “Download My Data”?

“Download My Data” allows customers to access and download their energy usage data from an energy service provider’s website, like Hydro Ottawa, and either provide that data to a third party or to view their historical and current energy usage, analyze trends, and make informed energy-management decisions. An example would be if you are considering using rooftop solar panels, you could provide your data to a solar company to perform a cost benefit analysis for installing solar panels.  

What is “Connect My Data”?

“Connect My Data” allows customers to digitally authorize their energy usage and account information to be safely shared with third parties who can view and analyze their data and provide additional insights into managing and conserving energy. For example, these third parties may be clean energy companies, or analytics firms who can view and analyze your data and provide additional insights into managing and conserving energy. We recommend researching third-party companies before connecting with them to make sure they meet your needs.

What data is provided by Green Button?

There are two types of data within the Green Button standard – “Energy Usage Data” and “Account Information”. 

“Energy Usage Data” includes 24 months of historical and ongoing meter readings and dates, billing period dates, usage data, electricity charges, etc. where available. Usage data is provided in the interval provided by the meter.

“Account information” includes bill details, mailing name and address, service address, account number, meter number, rate class, etc.

Why is Green Button being implemented?

Green Button is part of Ontario’s efforts to encourage energy conservation and help consumers save on energy costs. As an energy consumer, it gives you greater control over your energy data, allowing you to access and share your energy consumption data in a standardized, secure manner. 

Companies are starting to develop innovative tools and software that visualize and analyze energy consumption around the Green Button standard so that you can use your data in the way that works best for you without compromising your confidential information.

How do I access Green Button?

You can access Green Button in different ways. First, go to Hydro Ottawa’s Green Button access page.

You can log in using your Hydro Ottawa MyAccount existing credentials:

• Current MyAccount email and password.

or

You can sign in using the information on your last Hydro Ottawa bill:

• Enter your account number (10 digits);
• Enter your kWh consumption; and 
• Enter your last bill’s ‘’Due Date’’.

Is there a cost to me for Green Button?

Hydro Ottawa’s Green Button “Connect My Data” and “Download My Data” services are free of charge.

How does Green Button benefit me?

You can use Green Button data to better understand your energy usage in order to improve energy efficiency within your home or business. By learning your usage patterns and habits, you can make informed choices about how much energy you use and when you use it. When consumers use energy during off-peak hours and invest in energy efficient appliances, it saves money and can help reduce strain on the grid and the environment. 

When you download your data, it will be in an industry-standard XML (Extensible Markup Language) format. Please note that XML files are designed to be read and analyzed by computer applications. Once the file is downloaded, you can share your data with a third party or upload it to an application that supports and analyzes Green Button data. 

In addition to Green Button, Hydro Ottawa offers a number of ways that Customers can use to access their energy usage data. To explore other options please refer to our website.

Is my information secure?

Green Button follows privacy and security best practices, so your information stays safe. Utilities and third parties must go through a strict testing and certification process to become compliant with Green Button standards. In addition, it is only available through your secure online account. Nobody will be able to access your data unless you choose to share it with them. Before you share any of your information, find out how it will be used and if it will be secure.

How do I authorize a third party to access my data?

Customers wishing to authorize third-party access to their account information must first start in the third-party software. Third-party providers will then link you to Hydro Ottawa's Green Button authentication process so you can log in and select what information you want to share with them.

Can I revoke access to third-party providers?

Yes, you can revoke access to third parties at any time. Please visit Hydro Ottawa’s Green Button access page and log in using your MyAccount credentials or sign in using the information from your last bill.

What if my Third-Party Application or Software is not certified?

Hydro Ottawa needs to ensure third-party applications have the capability to use “Connect my Data” before they can be authorized.  We ask our customers to help us encourage third-party vendors to become authorized by Hydro Ottawa so we can grow our “Connect my Data” service offering. In the meantime, you can always use “Download my Data” and manually provide your information to third-party applications.

Are there limitations on the accuracy of Green Button Data?

Hydro Ottawa is aware that Green Button data will most likely be used for downstream processes that can affect key decisions by users. We know that accurate data is important, unfortunately, there is always going to be missing or estimated data. Current data and data history consistency is not guaranteed.  Data gaps will occur; meters or communication networks can fail, power outages can result in zero consumption, etc. Gaps and estimates will be included where necessary and subject to update when better data is available. Users must understand and accommodate this reality.

Where can I find more information on Green Button data?

Ontario Energy Board – Green Button
Ontario Newsroom
Green Button Alliance (GBA)

What is the Green Button Alliance?

Please refer to the Green Button Alliance at https://www.greenbuttonalliance.org/

Disclaimer: Hydro Ottawa supports the use of Green Button but does not take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided in using it, or its use by customers or any authorized third party. Hydro Ottawa shall not be liable in any way for any information derived or generated from using the product or any damages claimed therefrom.