On Tuesday, August 18, ten Hilo smart thermostats sold by Hydro‑Québec ignited in residential settings across Montreal, producing visible flames, smoke and a burnt odor, according to owners who filed complaints. The incidents were reported to have occurred in private homes, and the affected customers say the utility has not provided a response to their concerns.
Hydro‑Québec markets the Hilo brand as a smart thermostat solution for residential customers throughout the province of Quebec. The devices are promoted as energy‑saving tools that can be controlled via mobile applications, and they have been installed in a range of households since their introduction.
Owners who experienced the malfunctions described the thermostats catching fire shortly after normal operation, with some reporting that the units emitted smoke and a distinct burnt smell before the flames were extinguished. The reports indicate that the incidents occurred without any prior warning signs from the devices.
As of the time of reporting, Hydro‑Québec has not issued a public statement or offered a remedy to the affected thermostat owners. Consumer protection officials have been notified, and the utility’s lack of response has been noted by the complainants.
The ten fire reports were filed on Tuesday, August 18, and all originated from the Montreal area. Each owner indicated that they contacted Hydro‑Québec’s customer service after the events, but according to the complaints, they have not received acknowledgment or guidance regarding the malfunction.
Hydro‑Québec’s promotional material positions the Hilo thermostat as a residential smart‑home device that can be managed through the utility’s online portal. The brand is sold to homeowners throughout Quebec as part of the company's broader effort to encourage energy‑efficient appliances.