Who qualifies for the free thermostats?
The offer is for eligible residential BC Hydro account holders with a MyHydro account and electric baseboard heating. The thermostats must be installed at the service address associated with the account, and Peak Saver enrolment is required. Renters need their landlord’s permission before ordering.
Check eligibility and the available quantity through BC Hydro’s official ordering process. This is a BC Hydro account offer, not a universal entitlement for every household or electric utility customer. It does not provide a thermostat for a heat pump or central low-voltage heating system.
Are the thermostats and installation both free?
The eligible thermostats and shipping are free; installation is not included. PTX’s compatibility assessment and installation are separate paid services. Confirm the quote and scope before booking work.
The offer can provide up to five Mysa or Sinopé devices. You order the eligible devices through the official programme; asking PTX for installation does not place that order, secure a rebate or automatically book a visit.
What does Peak Saver enrolment involve?
Peak Saver allows BC Hydro to adjust enrolled thermostats temporarily during demand events. The programme describes adjustments of one to three degrees, lasting no more than four hours per event. You retain override control and can opt out of individual events.
Qualifying participation can earn a $50 seasonal household reward, provided as a bill credit after winter. Opting out of more than half the events may affect eligibility for that reward. Customers taking the free thermostats do not also receive the separate thermostat enrolment bonus. Read the current terms before agreeing.
Should you order Mysa or Sinopé?
Choose a thermostat that meets the manufacturer’s wiring, voltage, heating-type and load requirements. BC Hydro lists a Sinopé option for two-wire setups and a Mysa option for four-wire, two-pair setups, but counting visible wires is not a complete compatibility assessment.
Use the manufacturer’s compatibility checker or have a qualified electrician assess the installation before ordering. The number of cables alone does not establish the circuit arrangement, identify a neutral or prove that a device is suitable. Do not open or work on energised wiring to investigate.
Why is this different from a Nest or Ecobee installation?
Electric baseboard heaters generally use line-voltage controls, so the thermostat must be rated for the actual supply and connected heating load. A thermostat intended for a low-voltage furnace or heat-pump control circuit is not a direct substitute.
Mysa and Sinopé have different models for different applications. Confirm the specific product and installation requirements rather than relying on a brand name or assuming that an adapter-free connection is suitable for every heater.
Is hardwired thermostat installation a DIY job in BC?
Hardwired smart-thermostat installation is regulated electrical work in British Columbia. BC Hydro directs customers to Technical Safety BC or the local electrical authority to confirm permit requirements. A free device does not remove those requirements.
PTX can assess compatibility, identify the applicable permit requirements and quote the installation. Access, existing wiring, connected heater loads and any defects affect the scope. The work must be safely isolated and verified by the person qualified and authorised to perform it; this article is not a wiring guide.
What can a smart thermostat improve?
A suitable smart thermostat can add heating schedules, more convenient temperature control and remote adjustment through the manufacturer’s app. The benefit depends on the home, the existing controls and how the household uses heating.
There is no single saving percentage or bill reduction that PTX can promise for every home. A new controller also cannot correct damaged wiring, an unsuitable heater or every cause of a cold room. Those concerns need assessment rather than an automatic thermostat replacement.
When should the baseboard heater also be assessed?
Persistent burning smells, scorching, visible damage, unusual noise or a room that will not warm deserve investigation before choosing a replacement. They do not prove that the heater alone is faulty: the control, electrical supply, connections, room heat loss and heater sizing may also matter.
Stop using equipment that appears unsafe and contact PTX. For smoke, fire, injury or immediate danger, leave the area and call 911. Otherwise, describe what you have observed and provide safe exterior photos if useful. PTX can assess whether a repair, new control or heater replacement is appropriate.
Where do Stelpro baseboard heaters fit?
PTX installs Stelpro baseboard heaters when heater replacement is appropriate. Stelpro’s range includes baseboards and convectors for different room and installation requirements. The right product depends on the actual room, supply, heating load and manufacturer instructions.
The free BC Hydro thermostats are Mysa or Sinopé, not Stelpro. A proposed Stelpro heater and thermostat must still be checked for compatibility. Replacing an existing heater is a separate paid scope, not part of the free-device offer. Ask PTX to quote any heater replacement alongside thermostat installation rather than assume one visit, one permit or a fixed completion time covers every home.
What should you do before ordering?
First confirm your BC Hydro eligibility, landlord permission where needed and willingness to join Peak Saver. Then confirm the appropriate thermostat with the manufacturer’s compatibility checker or an electrician. Order through the official programme and keep the product and order information.
For installation in Burnaby or the wider Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley service area, send PTX the property details, heating type, number of controls and any safe exterior photos. PTX can review the request and quote the actual work. The linked rebate reference explains the programme; the service-request form lets you ask about installation without committing to a booking.
Frequently asked questions
Questions property decision-makers ask
Does the free thermostat offer include PTX installation?
No. Eligible devices and shipping are free through the BC Hydro programme. PTX assessment, installation and any heater replacement are quoted separately.
Can I choose a thermostat simply by counting wires?
No. BC Hydro lists options for different wiring arrangements, but the specific thermostat must also suit the supply, heater type and connected load. Use the manufacturer’s compatibility checker or an electrician.
Current authoritative resources
Requirements and programs can change. Confirm current information directly: