Telus announced Monday the rollout of its new SmartEnergy for Good program, which is designed to help low-income households reduce energy use and lower their utility bills, while also contributing to Canada’s climate targets.
The first phase of the program has launched in Ontario, with additional provinces to be added later this year, Telus said in a press release.
Calling it a “first-of-its-kind initiative in Canada,” Telus said SmartEnergy for Good is open to qualifying low-income Ontario residents, including seniors, families and youth aging out of government care. Qualifying customers will receive a subsidized SmartHome Energy management package, including a monthly Telus SmartEnergy subscription, a smart thermostat rental, two energy-monitoring plugs and professional installation.
“TELUS SmartEnergy for Good represents a new and innovative approach to energy equity in Canada, building on our team’s longstanding belief that technology is a great equalizer, but only if we all have access to it equally,” Darren Entwistle, president and CEO of Telus, said in the company’s press release. “TELUS SmartEnergy for Good — the next phase of our Connecting for Good program — provides families challenged by affordability concerns and in need of a helping hand, with powerful tools to manage their energy consumption and lower their monthly bills, while reducing their carbon footprint. Indeed, by combining our telecommunications expertise with our social purpose, we are connecting communities and citizens to both a more sustainable and more affordable future.”
Telus SmartEnergy subscribers can save up to 15 per cent on energy bills by, among other things, automating temperature settings and powering down unused devices, while monitoring usage through personalized insights in the SmartHome+ app, according to Telus.
In addition to subsidizing SmartHome technology, the SmartEnergy for Good initiative educates households on energy cost reduction while supporting Ontario’s emission reduction targets by reducing grid strain during peak demand, Telus said. As part of its environmental commitment, Telus said it will plant four trees per year on behalf of each participating household, contributing to carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
