A smart thermostat is a thermostat that is Wi-Fi enabled, allowing it to automatically optimize heating and cooling for better energy efficiency and performance. For the average household, nearly half of the annual energy bill goes toward heating and cooling, making smart thermostats one of the most impactful tools for managing energy use and costs.
Important Program Requirement: To participate, members must already have a smart thermostat installed or plan to purchase and install their own smart thermostat. The cooperative does not provide or install thermostats as part of this program.
Program Benefits: By enrolling your eligible smart thermostat, you can help support a more reliable energy grid while maintaining comfort in your home.
Participants will receive:
- A one-time $25 billing credit after successful completion of the first summer season in the program.
How Does it Work?
During period of higher energy demand, participants help manage energy use by allowing specific, short-term adjustments to their HVAC system through their Wi-Fi-connected smart thermostat. In most cases, you won’t notice any adjustments to your home’s HVAC system or your comfort. You will always have ultimate control of your thermostat settings.
1. SIGN UP: Sync your smart thermostat with the program. This allows SEC to adjust your thermostat remotely only on the peak days when the energy grid is strained.
2. GET APPROVED: You’ll be notified by email confirming you’re enrolled in the program.
3. SIT BACK AND SAVE: On peak days, you’ll be notified when SEC plans to adjust your thermostat a few degrees. Your thermostat will automatically change back to your regular settings when the peak passes.
4. RE-ADJUST WHENEVER YOU LIKE: Want to tweak the thermostat during a peak event? No problem. Members may override any planned adjustment.
5. GET SAVINGS: At the end of your first summer participating in the program, you’ll receive a $25 billing credit.
Our Thermostats work with the following hardware providers.
Click on your brand to get started with the registration process.
FAQ:
Is participation voluntary?
Yes. Participation in the Smart Thermostat Program is completely voluntary.
Is an email address required to participate?
Yes. An email address is required to participate in the Smart Thermostat Program for enrollment and program communications.
Do I have to be enrolled in SmartHub to participate?
No. Members do not need to be enrolled in SmartHub to participate.
By what date does my thermostat need to be installed and enrolled to qualify for this season’s credit?
Members will need to enroll by June 1 to qualify for the current summer season credit.
What months are considered part of the summer season?
Qualifying summer months: June, July, and August
What is a peak event or high-demand event?
Peak or high-demand events occur during periods when electricity demand is especially high across the electric grid. During these events, participating thermostats may make small, temporary adjustments to help reduce overall energy demand and maintain grid reliability.
When can I expect thermostat adjustments to occur?
Event timing may vary depending on electricity demand. Events are most likely to occur during very hot summer days when energy use is highest. SEC works with our power supply partner, to help monitor energy demand and recommend when these events should occur.
How long do thermostat adjustments typically last?
Most demand response events are expected to last approximately 2–3 hours. However, durations may vary depending on grid conditions and recommendations from SEC’s power supply partner.
Will my comfort be impacted during an event?
Thermostat adjustments during events are designed to be small and temporary while still helping reduce demand on the electric grid. Members can typically expect only minor temperature changes during an event period.
What if I have more than one thermostat?
No problem! You’ll be able to enroll both thermostats in the program, but only one incentive of $25 will be paid at the end of the first summer of participation.