Canadians Generating Their Own Power Are Getting Closer to Breaking Even, Schneider Electric Data Shows

New Schneider Electric–HEC Montréal analysis outlines where home solar, batteries and EVs are paying off and what must change to scale adoption

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Canadians are no longer just flipping switches, they are generating their own power, storing it, and even feeding it back to the grid. According to new Canada wide analysis from Schneider Electric, that shift toward “energy prosumers” is accelerating faster than many expected, reshaping how homes interact with the country’s electricity system.

The study uses 100% Canadian data to examine household‑level energy patterns in Toronto, Montréal, Vancouver, and Edmonton. Early results suggest that when technologies are combined, such as pairing solar with an EV, the value proposition improves significantly, especially in jurisdictions with clear pathways for selling power back to the grid.

“Canada has the ingredients to unlock a strong prosumer economy, but we are still at the beginning,” said Frederick Morency, VP Sustainability, Strategic Initiatives and Innovation, Schneider Electric Canada. “The data shows that households can play a much greater role in supporting the energy transition—what’s needed now is a framework that allows the system to integrate prosumers at scale.”

The findings also show that local conditions shape the prosumer experience. Cities differ in how much households can benefit, with some seeing stronger advantages from solar or smart charging, while others face larger gaps between current technology costs and potential savings under existing rates.

Beyond cost savings, prosumers deliver broader value, including lower emissions, avoided infrastructure upgrades, and the reassurance that homes can remain powered during outages, a benefit residential customers value at $4.50–$4.94 per kilowatt hour.

“The opportunity isn’t theoretical, it’s real, and it’s measurable,” said Morency. “With the right mix of smart rates and simple sell back rules, prosumers become an asset to the grid, not a burden.”

What the data shows about Canada’s prosumer future

• Solar + EV leads the pack: Best financial performance.
• Selling power back is a game changer: Improves results in almost every solar inclusive scenario.
• Rate design matters: Wider on peak/off peak or tier gaps dramatically improve household returns.
• Unpriced benefits are huge!: Emissions avoided (valued at $271/tonne), lower grid strain, and outage resilience worth $4.50–$4.94/kWh. The Social Cost of Carbon (SCC) has a significant impact on benefits in Canada.

As Canada continues modernizing its electricity systems, expanding the prosumer model represents a practical pathway to empowering households while meeting climate goals.

To read the full Schneider Electric–HEC Montréal Prosumer Report, visit se.com/HEC_Prosumer_2 to download the report.

About Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric is a global energy technology leader, driving efficiency and sustainability by electrifying, automating, and digitalizing industries, businesses and homes. Its technologies enable buildings, data centers, factories, infrastructure, and grids to operate as open, interconnected ecosystems, enhancing performance, resilience and sustainability. The portfolio includes intelligent devices, software-defined architectures, AI-powered systems, digital services, and expert advisory. With 160,000 employees and one million partners in over 100 countries, Schneider Electric is consistently ranked among the world’s most sustainable companies. Learn more at se.com or follow them on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Instagram.