Demand Respond Option at the mountain (DRO)
Perhaps you have noticed alerts since last season announcing late openings or early closings of our chairlifts as part of the Demand Respond Option (DRO) protocol.
This is a Hydro-Québec program that Mont SUTTON participates in, contributing to the collective effort to improve energy management by reducing consumption during periods of high demand.
What does this mean?
When it is very cold, Hydro-Québec asks partners who have signed up for the program to reduce their electricity consumption in order to relieve pressure on the grid when demand is high. These requests may occur occasionally during a snow season and will often be made at the last minute, with the following 3 objectives in mind:
• Support responsible energy management
• Limit pressure on the electrical grid
• Support collective efforts toward a sustainable energy transition in Quebec
What does the Mont SUTTON protocol stipulate?
- At the mountain, the DRO protocol only affects chairlifts II and IV and the charging stations.
- It may occurs during weekdays only, until March 31, but never on December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1 & 2.
- During DRO calls, the ski lifts will open exceptionally at 9:30 a.m. instead of 9 a.m.
- As for closures, the chairlifts may close at 3:30 p.m. instead of 4 p.m.
- DRO may be applied maximum twice a day, with a 7 hour gap – it may affects our closure time since we need two complete laps of the chairlift after the last client get out to completely shut it down.
- However, other mountain services and departments will not be affected by these changes (customer service, restaurant, shopboutique, workshop, school, rental, etc.).
When you visit the mountain conditions page and our website, a red banner at the top will indicate that the protocol is in effect and will precise the chairlifts schedule! Subscribing to our daily newsletter will also keep you informed of any special circumstances for the day, as you will receive all the information by email early in the morning!
