Reducing Peak Demand, Supporting Business
Introducing the Peak Performance Program
As electricity demand continues to rise across Ontario, businesses have a new opportunity to take control of their energy use while getting paid to do it.
The Save on Energy Peak Performance Program is designed to help commercial and institutional facilities reduce energy consumption during periods of high demand, improving grid reliability and lowering operating costs at the same time.
What is the Peak Performance Program?
The Peak Performance Program is a demand response initiative that provides financial incentives to businesses that reduce their electricity use specifically HVAC systems during peak demand events.
When the grid is under pressure, typically on the hottest summer days, participating businesses receive advance notice and can temporarily reduce energy use. In return, they earn incentives based on how much energy they reduce.
This program plays a critical role in supporting Ontario’s electricity system, helping to reduce strain on the grid while keeping costs lower for consumers and businesses alike.
Why Should Your Business Participate?
The Peak Performance Program is more than just an energy initiative it’s a business opportunity.
Key benefits include:
- Earn financial incentives
Businesses are rewarded based on their ability to reduce energy consumption during peak periods. Some facilities could earn tens of thousands of dollars annually depending on participation levels.
- Lower operating costs
Reducing HVAC usage during peak periods helps decrease overall electricity costs especially important as energy prices continue to fluctuate.
- No penalties for non-participation
If your business can’t participate in a specific event, there are no penalties, offering flexibility and control.
- Offset implementation costs
New participants may qualify for an additional enabling incentive to support setup and participation.
- Support sustainability goals
Reducing energy use during peak demand contributes to lower emissions and supports broader decarbonization efforts.
Who is Eligible?
The program is ideal for commercial and institutional facilities that can reduce at least 500 kW of demand, such as:
- Office buildings
- Retail chains
- Warehouses
- Hospitals and campuses
- Multi-site portfolios
To participate, businesses must operate in Ontario and be connected to the provincial grid or a local distribution system.
How it Works
- Enroll in the program and register eligible facilities
- Receive advance notification of peak demand events
- Reduce energy usage, typically by adjusting HVAC systems
- Earn incentives based on verified energy savings
This approach allows businesses to take a proactive, data-driven approach to energy management without requiring major operational disruption.
Why This Matters for Ontario
Ontario’s electricity demand is growing, driven by population growth, electrification, and economic expansion.
Programs like Peak Performance are part of a broader provincial strategy to:
- Strengthen grid reliability
- Reduce peak demand
- Lower long-term electricity costs
The program is expected to deliver up to 100 MW of peak demand reduction in 2026, scaling to 230 MW by 2027, helping ensure a more resilient and efficient energy system.
Start Turning Energy Savings into Revenue
If your business is already looking for ways to improve efficiency, the Peak Performance Program offers a new way to turn those efforts into measurable financial returns.
At InnPower, we’re committed to helping our business customers understand and access programs like this as part of Ontario’s broader Electricity Demand-Side Management (eDSM) framework.
To learn more or get started, visit the Save on Energy website:
https://saveonenergy.ca/For-Business-and-Industry/Programs-and-incentives/Peak-Performance-Program