# All About OhmHours and AutoOhms > Everything you need to know about OhmHour and AutoOhm events There are two types of energysaving events at OhmConnect OhmHours and AutoOhms While both work Source: https://ohmconnect.kustomer.help/help/all-about-ohmhour-and-autoohms-logistics-SJ9NzcUEu Last updated: 2026-04-01T21:13:50.491Z ## Everything you need to know about OhmHour and AutoOhm events! There are two types of energy-saving events at OhmConnect, OhmHours and AutoOhms. While both work to alleviate stress on the grid when demand is high, they operate slightly differently. Read on to learn the ins and outs of OhmHours and AutoOhms. ### OhmHours OhmHours occur when demand on the grid is high. They tend to fall on weekday evenings, and last for an hour, and sometimes longer depending on the season and stress on the grid.  ### How it Works 1. Get Notified. You'll receive a notification for an upcoming OhmHour one day prior to the event, and again shortly before the OhmHour begins. This gives you time to prepare and think ahead for the OhmHour! Heads up: if you have devices connected, you won’t need to get these alerts, your devices will participate automatically! 2. Power Down. If you have smart devices, such as smart plug and smart thermostats, linked to your account, we'll do the work for you and automatically power them down before the event, and back on when the event is over. If you do not have smart devices connected you will need to unplug appliances and devices around your home. More tips and tricks to reduce as much energy as possible can be found [here](https://www.ohmconnect.com/help/what-should-i-do-during-my-ohmhour-to-reduce-power-Hki5WhDVd).  3. Earn Rewards! When you have positive energy-savings during an OhmHour event you earn Watts, which can be cashed out via PayPal or used in the [Rewards Marketplace](https://app.ohmconnect.com/rewards). More details on how to maximize your earnings [here](https://www.ohmconnect.com/help/understanding-your-watts-to-maximize-earnings-Hyabq8NO).  To note: Your smart devices will still participate in OhmHours and AutoOhms even if your notifications are turned off . More on opting out of events here. ### AutoOhms AutoOhms are short, energy-saving events that occur in real time when the electricity grid requires additional support. Unlike OhmHours, which are scheduled in advance, AutoOhms can happen at any time based on sudden changes in demand. Most events last around 15 minutes, although some may run longer depending on grid conditions. ### How it Works 1. Get Notified. AutoOhms are triggered with short notice due to the utility provider needing assistance in real time. For this reason, you will be notified by SMS or email as close to the event as possible, typically within 10 to 15 minutes before the event begins. 2. Power Down. When an AutoOhm begins, reducing your energy usage during the event will allow you to earn Watts. Smart devices are not required to participate. However, if you do have smart devices linked to your OhmConnect account, we will automatically power them down at the start of the event and restore them when it ends. 3. Because you get less of a heads up, AutoOhms are just more ways to save. They do not affect your Streak, Status, or Watt balance negatively. They offer an additional opportunity to save energy and earn Watts when participation is possible. ### Notifications You can choose to receive notifications for OhmHours and AutoOhms by email, SMS, or both via your OhmConnect settings page under 'Energy Alerts' (see images below). Additionally, if you'd like to include other family members or roommates, you can include additional contacts to notify.  ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5e711cd73683d2001204fe31/c303fae8267a7b1e8aceb439c22ef863.png) ![](https://cdn.kustomerhostedcontent.com/media/5e711cd73683d2001204fe31/29bb43f0ffcc8b83d549a20052eb9012.png) ### Frequently Asked Questions  ### Why Do OhmHours and AutoOhms Always Happen at Inconvenient Times? The grid needs our help most at peak times, which most often happens to be during the evenings, when most people are home and using lots of energy. You can expect OhmHours to occur between between 4-10 PM. ### What Should I Do During an OhmHour?  The options are endless! We took a poll and here are some of our member's favourite ways to spend an OhmHour: * Take your dog for a long walk or head to a local park  * Pack up a picnic and head to the beach/park/field with your family  * Light candles and make a no-cook meal — bonus points if you want to picnic on the floor! * Turn it into a game and get your kids involved * Download a podcast and find somewhere comfortable to listen during the OhmHour ### What if I'm Having Family for Dinner and Can't Take Part? No sweat! We completely understand that life gets busy and sometimes the commitment of powering down for an hour just isn't possible. Rest assured you can opt-out of an OhmHour up to 15 minutes into the event. More details on that [here.](https://www.ohmconnect.com/help/opting-out-of-ohmhours-B1JIUwon_)  ### Why Am I Not Getting Events If you are wondering why your account has been quiet lately or why a friend close by got an event when you didn't, don't worry! Our energy saving events only happen when the grid operators reach out and tell us the energy grid is stressed and needs support.  Here are the two main reasons you might not see an event:  •**Grid conditions and weather:** We usually only have events during extreme weather when everyone is using a lot of energy. If the weather is mild, demand is low, so it is completely normal to go a while without seeing an event.  •**Your specific location:** The grid is divided up into big geographic zones, not just street by street. Sometimes the grid needs power reduced in one specific zone, but not the one right next to it. That is why someone a few miles away might get an event while your house doesn't. As the weather warms and energy demand increases, you may see more events and opportunities to earn Watts.