Ontario’s IESO Wins ENERGY STAR 2026® Utility of the Year Award

TORONTO, Oct. 6, 2026 /CNW/ — The Independent Electricity System Operator’s (IESO) innovative and industry-leading energy-efficiency programs were recognized today through the ENERGY STAR^® 2026 Utility of the Year Award. This award is the IESO’s second Utility of the Year win and sixth overall ENERGY STAR Canada Award recognition.

Electricity demand in Ontario is rising rapidly as a result of population increases, an economy that is poised for long-term growth, and the electrification of home heating, transportation, and industrial processes. As demand continues to grow, Ontario’s electricity system needs to evolve to keep pace with rapid change.

The IESO’s demand-side management programming, delivered through the Save on Energy brand, is one of the ways Ontario is keeping pace with growing electricity demand. ENERGY STAR’s recognition of the IESO as Utility of the Year acknowledges how effective Save on Energy’s innovative demand-side management programming has been at supporting Ontario’s grid by lowering electricity demand while also saving families and businesses money.

“Demand for electricity is rising, and we need to keep our grid reliable, enable economic development, and attract new investments,” said Chuck Farmer, Executive Vice-President of Power System Development. “As we build out and invest in Ontario’s electricity system, energy efficiency programming is a critical part of our work to keep costs down and maximize the efficiency of existing electricity infrastructure. At the end of the day, the least expensive megawatt is the one you don’t have to use thanks to energy efficiency and demand response.”

Last year Ontario’s overall demand for electricity was 11% lower than it otherwise would have been thanks to Save on Energy programming.

Industry-leading programs like Save on Energy’s Peak Perks have been critical in achieving this demand reduction. With over 306,000 residential and small business consumers participating in 2025, Peak Perks is the fastest-growing demand-response program in North America, representing Canada’s largest virtual power plant and saving enough energy to supply an entire city the size of Oshawa.

Building on this success, the IESO continues to roll out new programs for all types of consumers including residential, small, medium and large businesses, Indigenous communities and organizations, institutions, and municipalities, funded through Ontario’s 12-year, $10.9 billion Electricity Demand-Side Management framework which the province launched in January 2025.

With Ontario’s electricity system experiencing significant growth and increasing complexity, the IESO is continuing to innovate and evolve its programming to meet system needs and to create new opportunities that help the provincial grid, all while providing cost savings for participants. More information on available programming can be found at SaveOnEnergy.ca.

Key 2025 Accomplishments:

• In 2025, the Save on Energy Peak Perks Program increased registration by over 100,000 new certified smart thermostat registrations, bringing the total number to 306,229 devices enrolled in the program since June 2023.
• Save On Energy delivered 212,000 energy-efficient products such as refrigerators, freezers, window air conditions, lighting and more through the Energy Affordability Program, supporting income-eligible electricity consumers.
• The Save on Energy Home Renovation Savings program launched the appliance stream rebate, offering incentives on the purchase of ENERGY STAR Most Efficient appliances.
• Save on Energy ran always-on marketing campaigns and four of its programs promoted ENERGY STAR certified products: the Peak Perks Program, Instant Discounts Program, Retrofit Program and the Small Business Program.  

About the IESO

The IESO operates Ontario’s power grid 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, ensuring Ontarians receive a reliable and cost-effective source of power when and where they need it. It works with sector partners and engages with communities across Ontario to plan and prepare for the province’s electricity needs now and into the future.

About Save On Energy

Save on Energy is here to help you use energy wisely at home and at work delivering energy-efficiency programs offered by the Independent Electricity System Operator. You can take advantage of its incentives and resources to make your energy-efficiency projects more affordable, allowing you to reap the rewards faster. Save on Energy also raises awareness about the many ways we can reduce energy use in our day-to-day lives – putting energy efficiency within your reach.

SOURCE Independent Electricity System Operator