Benefits of Energy Wise

• Receive a bill credit and/or reduced electric rates.
• Members benefit from wholesale power costs by lowering electricity consumption during peak use periods.
• Peak use periods are when energy consumption is at its highest. The peak period for power is normally the greatest during early evening hours.
• Energy Wise programs provide lower rates to members in return for allowing interruptions to their
  heating or cooling system.
• If every member would shift a small part of their electricity use away from these peak periods, it saves the cooperative money.
• By avoiding peak use periods the cooperative does not have to pay premium prices when purchasing power from our power suppliers. Therefore, MVEC saves when members use Energy Wise programs.
• Energy Wise programs can be separate or combined. Members are ready to be wired into these programs if their home has a double meter socket (homes built after 1992). Homes built before 1992 can have a second meter socket installed to participate in Energy Wise programs.
  
• Dual fuel programs offer two sources of heat with electricity being the primary heat source. An automatic back-up heat source is required for these programs.
• Rebates are also available to work in conjunction with Energy Wise programs.

Energy Wise Programs - Savings & Operation

Air Conditioning
MVEC members save 10% on their summer electric bills by allowing MVEC to cycle the air conditioner on and off every 15 minutes, up to a maximum of 200 hours in a cooling season.

Electric Water Heating
MVEC members save an average of $182 per year by allowing periodic interruptions. Interruptions are limited to 8 hours in a day. Most members do not notice the interruption with adequate water heater capacity.

Whole House Heating
Includes heat pumps, plenum heaters and other whole house heating options. MVEC members average savings range from $300 to $600 or more per year. Interruptions may be up to 12 hours in a day with a maximum of 400 hours per season. Therefore, this program requires the member to have an adequate and automatic back-up heat source.

Auxiliary Electric Heat
Includes porch, lower level or garage heating with electric baseboard, cove or garage heaters. MVEC member’s savings range from $100 to $400 or more per year. Back-up heating is not required. However the area may get cold during an interruption if there is no back-up available for that part of the house. Control hours are the same as whole house heating.

To learn more about Energy Wise programs visit the Energy Wise programs page.