Join the Saskatchewan EV Charging Study Program

Frequently asked questions

How does the charging study work?

The EV charging study is delivered by Generac Grid Services who will provide SaskPower with the data collected to help plan for increased electrification in the transportation sector.

Participants with EV OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) will connect their vehicle directly through the Connected Services account, without a connected car device. Data collected is shared with participants in a personalized portal and will be used by Generac Grid Services and SaskPower to understand EV charging impacts on the grid.

If you do not have an active Connected Services account then you will install a connected car device in the vehicle that automatically collects and transmits vehicle information via a cellular connection – at no cost to you!

What information will be collected?

Generac Grid Services collects the following information:

• Charging session duration, energy consumption, and location.
• GPS charging location coordinates are used to determine how much a device owner charges within Saskatchewan. We only collect GPS information while you are charging, not while driving.
• Trip duration, energy consumption and distance traveled.
• Personal information such as name, email, vehicle type and home address.

Is the data that Generac Grid Services collects secure?

Information that can identify you personally will not be made public or given to organizations outside of Generac Grid Services or SaskPower. For more details on the handling of personal information, please refer to the program’s Terms and Conditions, found at the bottom of your program Sign in page.

The EV Charging Study follows the highest standards for cybersecurity and complies with ISO 27001:2013 security standards.

What is a GO Device, and what does it do?

The GO Device is a small telematics device used in the study to give electric vehicle drivers access to a wealth of information about their cars like driving efficiency, battery health, and more. It makes EV data access easy, comparable, and shareable.

GO Devices gather data directly from your vehicle’s internal systems, processes it, and makes it available to you via a mobile-friendly dashboard.

Where does the hardware device plug in?

The device is easy to install: simply plug it into your vehicle’s onboard diagnostics (OBD-II) port. The OBD-II port is typically located below the steering wheel and is the same port mechanics plug into for diagnostic checks.

How do I install my GO connected car device?

If you still have questions, please contact support@smartevrewards.com.

Can I participate?

You are eligible if you own or lease a plug-in vehicle—either a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle or an electric vehicle with a battery—and are either a SaskPower, Saskatoon Light & Power, or Swift Current Light & Power customer.

What will I get for participating?

You will earn a $25 bonus for getting started with the program and additional rewards every month. You’re guaranteed a minimum of $10 per month just for staying connected and charging in Saskatchewan. You may be eligible for additional rewards as time goes on. Terms and conditions may apply.

Be sure to include all of your electric vehicles in the same application to ensure you receive the maximum reward! A limit of five vehicles applies.

Rewards are paid out on a per-vehicle basis. If you were to register five vehicles, you’d earn $25 for registering then monthly rewards per vehicle for participating.

How does payment work?

Qualified participants will receive cash deposits into a PayPal account every month. Setup your PayPal account here.

All rewards earned in a calendar month are paid out to participants at the end of the following month (or the next business day if the last day falls on a weekend or holiday).

Can I register more than one EV with the program?

Yes! Simply indicate the number of vehicles you wish to register for the program (with a maximum of 5) in your application.

What is the difference between a hybrid and plug-in hybrid electric vehicle?

A conventional hybrid operates only on gasoline. A plug-in hybrid electric vehicle can be connected to an external electric source to charge its battery. If your vehicle can be plugged in, you may be eligible to join the Saskatchewan Smart EV program.

What is the study timeline?

Prospective participants can apply for the program starting on Sept. 21, 2023. The data collection period will last 2 years with the possibility of an extension.

I am already using an on-board diagnostics (OBD) device in my car. Can I still participate?

No problem! Send us an email at support@smartevrewards.com and we can send you a free y-cable so that you can have both devices connected.

Can I remove the device?

The device should remain plugged in for the duration of the study. However, it is fine if your auto shop temporarily removes the device for diagnostic testing. Be sure it is plugged in afterward.

What if I want to opt out of the program?

If you move out of the province, sell your EV, or simply wish to no longer participate in the program, please notify us by email at support@smartevrewards.com to end your participation in the program and for instructions on how to return your connected car device if you have not yet activated it.

What happens to my data when I stop participation?

Once you email us, we will unsubscribe your vehicle. At that point, our system will no longer collect data from your vehicle. The system also anonymizes all past data and removes all personally identifiable user and vehicle information.

Where can I get help with my Connected GO Device and vehicle’s on-board telematics system?

For issues with your Connected GO Device, please review the installation instructions in the Connected GO Device Get Help section.

For issues connecting to your Connected Services account, please review the troubleshooting guide in the Connected Services Get Help section. Resolution steps to common issues are available in this section of the site.

If you are still having issues with installation or unable to connect through our portal, please contact us at support@smartevrewards.com