On Tuesday, August 18, 2026, reports surfaced that thermostats marketed by Hydro-Québec under the Hilo brand have caught fire in Montreal homes, prompting safety concerns among residents. Approximately ten homeowners have filed complaints, stating that the devices ignited and that they have not received any response from the company after reaching out.
The thermostats in question are sold by Hilo and promoted by Hydro-Québec as part of the utility's product lineup. Owners who experienced the incidents say the devices began to burn, causing damage to their property. Each complainant reports that they contacted Hilo or Hydro-Québec for assistance, but claim that no reply has been received to date.
The number of reported cases remains around ten, according to the complaints collected. All incidents have been reported from within the Montreal area of Quebec, though the precise locations of the homes have not been disclosed. The lack of response from the company has been highlighted by the affected owners, who are seeking clarification on the cause of the fires and potential remedial actions.
Hydro-Québec, a major electricity provider in the province, markets the Hilo thermostats as part of its smart home offerings. The company has not issued a public statement regarding the fire reports or the status of the homeowners' inquiries as of the time of publication. The incidents have raised questions about product safety and the adequacy of customer support for consumers who encounter technical failures.
Local authorities have been notified of the fire incidents, but no further details on investigations or regulatory actions have been provided. The situation remains under observation as the affected homeowners await a response from the manufacturer and the utility that markets the devices.