Hardware FixRecommendedDevice not working? Your driver may be the problemCheck updates for common hardware issues.Fix DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
The Finance Base
The Money Desk · Blog
Re:

TELUS SmartEnergy for Good: What Ontario Residents Need to Know

TELUS’s Ontario program offers qualifying low-income residents a subsidized SmartEnergy subscription, rented thermostat, two monitoring plugs, and installation, but its price and full eligibility rules have not been announced.
From TheFinanceBase Team2 min to read

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

TELUS launched SmartEnergy for Good in Ontario on March 30, 2026, offering qualifying low-income residents a subsidized package of energy-management tools and installation. The announcement does not disclose the participant price or complete eligibility and contract terms, so confirm those details with TELUS before applying. Its claim that SmartEnergy subscribers can save up to 15% on energy bills is a possible maximum, not a guaranteed or independently verified result.

What TELUS SmartEnergy for Good includes

TELUS says the Ontario package includes:

  • A monthly TELUS SmartEnergy subscription.
  • A rental smart thermostat.
  • Two energy-monitoring plugs.
  • Professional installation.

The package is described as subsidized, but TELUS’s March 30, 2026 launch announcement does not state what participants pay, how long a contract lasts, or the detailed service terms. Ask TELUS to confirm the full cost and conditions before enrolling.

Who qualifies for TELUS SmartEnergy for Good?

TELUS describes the program as intended for qualifying low-income Ontario residents, including seniors, families, and youth aging out of government care. The launch announcement does not publish income limits or a complete list of eligibility rules. Contact TELUS for current qualification criteria and application instructions; the announcement does not establish a public application workflow.

How much can it save on energy bills?

TELUS says SmartEnergy subscribers can save up to 15% on energy bills through actions such as automating thermostat settings and powering down unused devices. This is the company’s maximum potential savings claim for its SmartEnergy service—not a guaranteed saving, a program-specific average, or an independently evaluated result. Actual savings depend on a household’s energy use and circumstances.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
Google Nest Thermostat - Smart Thermostat for Home - Programmable Wifi Thermostat - Charcoal
  • ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostat for home that helps you save energy and stay comfortable.Connectivity : Wi-Fi - 802.11b/g/n 2.4 GHz, 802.11a/n 5 GHz Wi-Fi., Wireless interconnect : Bluetooth Low Energy Please refer to the product description section below for all applicable legal disclaimers.Product note: You can also check your system’s compatibility before purchasing a Nest thermostat with our online Nest Compatibility Checker on the Google Nest support page
  • The Nest Thermostat is designed to work without a C wire in most homes, but for some systems, including heating only, cooling only, zone controlled, and heat pump systems, you’ll need a C wire or other compatible power accessory
  • Nest Thermostat turns itself down when you leave, so you don’t waste energy heating or cooling an empty home. Lock feature: No
  • Programmable thermostat that lets you create an energy efficient schedule in the Google Home app on your Android or iPhone
  • Remote control lets family members change the thermostat temperature from anywhere on a phone, laptop, or tablet[1]

How it compares with other Ontario energy assistance

Ontario residents may also want to check two separate public programs. They offer different kinds of help, and eligibility for one does not automatically qualify a household for another.

Program What it offers Eligibility and cost details
TELUS SmartEnergy for Good Subsidized SmartEnergy subscription, rental thermostat, two monitoring plugs, and professional installation. For qualifying low-income Ontario residents. TELUS has not stated the participant price or full eligibility rules in its March 30, 2026 announcement. Confirm terms with TELUS.
Save on Energy Energy Affordability Program Free, tailored energy-saving upgrades for eligible Ontario electricity consumers. Depending on the household and existing equipment, measures may include efficient appliances, insulation, draft-proofing, or a programmable or smart thermostat. The current program page lists comprehensive-support, prior-year before-tax household income thresholds from $48,220 for one person to $127,576 for seven or more people. Other eligibility routes are available; verify current criteria with Save on Energy.
Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP) An ongoing monthly credit on an eligible household’s electricity bill. The credit depends on household size and after-tax income. An application is required; the Ontario Energy Board administers the program.

Which program should you check first?

  • For equipment and home-efficiency upgrades: Review the Energy Affordability Program’s current eligibility rules and available measures.
  • For a recurring electricity-bill credit: Check the OESP and its application requirements.
  • For the TELUS subscription and rented equipment: Ask TELUS about SmartEnergy for Good’s participant cost, eligibility, and terms.

These programs provide different benefits. Do not assume that applying to one enrolls you in another or that one replaces the others.

Rank #2
Amazon Smart Thermostat, Save money and energy, Works with Alexa and Ring, C-wire required
  • An Alexa thermostat - Amazon Smart Thermostat is an easy way to switch from a traditional thermostats for homes and help reduce energy usage.
  • Create comfort zones throughout your home by connecting to select Alexa devices to automatically adjust heating and cooling based on temperature readings or presence detection.
  • Save money and energy - After purchase, Amazon will send you an email with details about home thermostat rebates that may be available from energy providers in your area.
  • Save energy - According to EPA estimates, ENERGY STAR certified thermostats save an average of $90 on yearly energy bills.
  • Programmable thermostat and automatic control - Create your own home, away and sleep schedules, or have Alexa automatically control the temperature with Alexa+ advanced features.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Is SmartEnergy for Good available outside Ontario?

In its March 30, 2026 announcement, TELUS said it planned to bring the program to additional provinces later in 2026. That statement describes an intention, not confirmation that expansion took place. The announcement establishes an Ontario launch; check with TELUS for availability in any other province.

Rank #4
Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat, WiFi, Alexa, DIY, Energy Star Certified, ST25
  • EASY DIY INSTALLATION: Do it yourself fast with a built-in level and simple step-by-step instructions. Works with the HVAC equipment found in most homes
  • COMMON WIRE REQUIREMENTS: Common wire(C-Wire) required for heat pump and heat/cool only systems. C-wire not required on most systems
  • SAVE ABOUT 23% ON HVAC ENERGY: ENERGY STAR-certified and packed with features that help you save money, including flexible scheduling, geofencing, remote access and usage reports
  • PRIVACY PROTECTION: Sensi won’t sell your personal information to third parties or leverage your thermostat activity data for targeting or advertising purposes
  • CONTROL FROM ANYWHERE: The top-rated mobile app for Android and iOS devices makes it easy to control your comfort from a smartphone or tablet
Rank #3
ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential - WiFi Thermostat, Energy Star Certified
  • Save up to 23% every year on heating and cooling costs, adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Compared to a hold of 72
  • Compatible with 85% of systems, check your system’s compatibility with our online ecobee Compatibility Checker on the ecobee support page
  • Change your temperature by easily tapping the color touchscreen or using the ecobee app. Plus, free software upgrades ensure you get the best out of your Smart Thermostat Essential, for years to come
  • Automatically adjusts to your set schedule to save energy when you’re gone and optimize comfort when you’re home. Keep track of your energy consumption when you're on the go on the ecobee app
  • Easy DIY install. No C Wire, no problem. Get the ecobee Power Extender Kit (PEK) for homes without a C-Wire and keep your walls looking nice with our trim kit – both sold separately

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More post from the Money Desk

  1. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 267 minMortgage Escrow FAQs: Taxes, Insurance, Shortages, and Refunds
  2. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow Mortgage Escrow Accounts Work and What Homeowners Pay For
  3. The Money DeskBlogTheFinanceBase09 OCT 265 minHow to Read a Stock Chart, Volume and Market-Cap Data
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.