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Extreme temperature swings driven by climate change, combined with ambitious decarbonization goals in transportation, are putting new pressure on energy providers. An already busy electrical grid must now handle even higher demand during cold months and heat waves.
That’s why, starting in winter 2024, Polara launched a demand response program designed specifically for electric fleets, in partnership with Hydro-Québec. Here’s a look at how the program works, the role of Cleo’s platform, and the concrete results achieved after its first winter in action.
Why should EV fleets manage power demand?
Transportation electrification is accelerating across Québec, driven by 2030 targets for urban, school, and government fleets. But this shift also means the grid faces more demand during peak periods.
This added pressure can:
- Drive up costs at every stage of the electricity value chain, from extraction and production to distribution.
- Reduce overall electricity availability.
- Force additional infrastructure investments by Hydro-Québec.
- Translate into higher costs for taxpayers and society at large.
To strengthen grid resilience, demand reduction and optimization strategies are essential.
Polara’s Demand Response program for EV fleets
In 2024, Polara and Hydro-Québec launched a pilot project to help electric fleets shift charging away from winter peak events.
The program provides:
- A financial incentive to cover part of the costs of implementing demand management.
- Greater flexibility for fleet operators compared to Hydro-Québec’s standard reference program.
What are peak events?
Hydro-Québec identifies the demand management period from December 1 to March 31. Participants receive at least 24 hours’ notice before each peak event.
- Weekdays only, between 6–9 a.m. and 4–8 p.m.
- No weekends or holidays.
- Maximum of 2 events per day (with at least 7 hours between them).
- Higher frequency in January and February.
- Roughly 70% of events occur in the morning.
How it works
Cleo automatically manages charging loads during these events, without disrupting fleet operations. The platform adjusts charging schedules and power levels to ensure every vehicle is ready on time.
Operators are notified in real time through Cleo or their preferred channel.
At the end of the winter season, fleets receive a credit on their electricity bill based on the amount of demand their operations were able to shift away from peak periods.
Results from the first year of our Demand Response program
By rescheduling charging activities, Cleo’s smart platform was able to shift up to 85% of kWh consumption outside of peak hours during winter 2024-2025.
Around 15 Cleo-managed charging sites participated and 14 peak events were called by Hydro-Québec between December 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. Fleet customers saved between $200 and $600 per site, per peak event*, with zero operational impact thanks to automated charging management.
A simple, effective way to cut costs while helping relieve stress on the grid.
What's next?
Polara’s exclusive Demand Response program, developed in partnership with Hydro-Québec, is back for a second year. Sites interested in participating have until September 30, 2025 to sign up. Contact our team at info@cleo.eco to learn more.
This type of program is also being developed with other energy providers to free up even more capacity during critical moments. Of course, smart energy management can only deliver its full value when operations are reliable, something that will come with more mature technology and growing fleet operator confidence.
Because the future is electric!
*For a typical site with around 20 chargers, depending on charger power levels and usage cycles.
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