As energy prices across Ontario continue to rise, PUC is helping people in Sault Ste. Marie stay ahead of the spending curve.
Through a host of energy efficiency programs, the locally-owned utility is providing homes and business with the knowledge to make smart, sustainable choices about how they use their electricity .
Through Ontario’s Save on Energy program, PUC offers Energy Conservation initiatives designed to help customers cut consumption and lower bills, Katie Elliott, PUC’s Director, Enterprise Strategy said.
“PUC’s mission is to lead our community by providing safe and reliable utility services, while empowering customers to manage their energy use through education, tools, and programs that make conservation accessible and achievable,” Elliott said.
“We want to help customers understand not just how much energy they use, but where and when they use it — and what steps they can take to use it more efficiently.
There’s a full range of options available — from lighting and insulation upgrades to incentives for smart thermostats and heat pumps. The goal is to empower consumers — show them how small changes can add up to big savings, Elliott said.It’s an approach that’s rooted in PUC’s ties to the community. With deep roots in Sault Ste. Marie, the team’s expertise is shaped by generations of service in Northern Ontario’s climate and unique energy conditions.
“Trust comes from experience and consistency,” Elliott said. “PUC has been part of this community for generations — we’re not just an energy provider; we’re neighbours . Over the years, we’ve built a reputation for being knowledgeable, transparent, and customer-focused.”
Save On Energy programs, Elliott said, are designed to reward customers and encourage investment in technology that makes for more efficient energy use, while shifting that energy use to times when electricity costs less.
The Save ON Energy programs have been around since 2014 and provide financial incentives for residential, commercial, and industrial customers to make energy-efficient upgrades.
For commercial and industrial clients, programs are performance-based, Elliott said, meaning businesses that demonstrate energy savings can qualify for incentives on projects ranging from lighting retrofits to process improvements and HVAC upgrades.
On the residential side, the programs are more prescriptive, offering clear incentives for upgrades like insulation, windows, doors, and smart heating and cooling systems. There are also targeted options for low-income households to ensure energy savings remain accessible to everyone.
In both cases, Elliott said, their focus is on seeing consumers succeed, long-term.
“The goal isn’t just to save money in the short term — it’s to build awareness and create habits that last,” she said.
“These programs introduce customers to the tools and knowledge that help them make smart choices over time. By understanding how their home or business uses energy, customers can plan future upgrades, invest strategically, and reduce both their energy costs and carbon footprint year after year.”
The education component extends beyond emails and bill inserts.
“We take a multi-channel approach using social media, community events, and partnerships to reach people where they are,” she said. “We’ve hosted webinars with the City and other partners, and we plan to expand that outreach as new programs launch in 2026. Education starts with awareness, and we’re always looking for ways to make energy efficiency approachable and easy to understand.”
Elliott said that while commercial and industrial customers can often see significant results from large-scale upgrades, small residential changes can have a meaningful impact too.
“One of the biggest misconceptions is that small changes don’t matter or that meaningful savings aren’t possible in a residential setting,” she said. “Comfort, convenience, and cost savings can go hand in hand when people have the right information and tools.New technologies are also giving customers more control over their bills.
“Technology is a game-changer,” Elliott said. “With smart meters, apps, and AI-enabled monitoring devices, customers can now see real-time energy use and understand which appliances or systems are driving costs.”
Looking ahead, Elliott sees even greater opportunities for growth on the residential side as PUC continues expanding access to digital tools, home audits, and simplified rebate programs.
“The more informed homeowners become, the more confident they’ll feel about investing in energy-saving upgrades,” she said.
“Our employees live here, our families are here, and our customers are our neighbours. That local connection drives us to deliver programs that make a real difference.
For more information on local energy-saving programs and available incentives, visit puc.ca/conservation-generation or SaveOnEnergy.ca