Wi-Fi Thermostat Program

The following items are required to participate in the program:

1. Central Air – The thermostat controls your central air-conditioning unit.  It does not work with window air conditioners.

2. Wireless Network – The thermostat must be connected to your wireless Internet network so that you can remotely adjust the temperature.

3. You must own your home or have permission from your landlord to have the thermostat installed.

4. Members may not participate in the Energy Wise Air Conditioning programs and the Wi-Fi Thermostat program at the same time.

5. To maintain eligibility for the rebate, participation in the air conditioning program is required for a minimum of one control season (June-August). Early termination will necessitate the repayment of the rebate.

What is the Energy Wise Wi-Fi Thermostat Program?

•  MVEC’s voluntary program is designed to reward you for reducing your electricity use during periods of high demand for electricity while helping the environment and reliability of the electric grid.
• Participants agree to brief, limited events when thermostats are automatically adjusted during peak electric demand periods during the summer cooling season. Peak electricity demand typically occurs on hot summer days.
• MVEC members who have installed a qualifying connected thermostat controlling their central air conditioning system and/or air source heat pump are eligible.
• Participants will receive a $50 bill credit (one per unit that is enrolled in MVEC’s Energy Wise program) after being accepted into the program and a 10% discount for all statements dated June – September each year for subsequent years that you participate in the program*. Members already participating in an A/C Energy Wise program will remain on their current program and receive the 10% discount or reduced rate. For example, if you are receiving a reduced rate, you will NOT also receive the additional 10% discount. Your account may only have one cooling discount applied.
• MVEC understands that sometimes circumstances arise that may require an op out of control however the co-op reserves the right to remove you from the program (thus losing your bill credits) for excess opt-out events, or abusing the ability.
• Members with small businesses or more than one central air conditioner will receive a $10/month bill credit on statements dated June – September of every year. You must use a minimum of 200 kWh each month to qualify for the bill credit.
• MVEC understands that members can have more than one thermostat in the house if it has multiple zones. Thermostats and rebates need to be purchased and submitted at the same time. 

How does the Energy Wise Wi-Fi Thermostat Program benefit the community?

The program:

• Supports Minnesota’s energy initiatives.
• Protects our environment by lowering emissions.
• Helps reduce the cost of peak energy in our region.

How will I know if I’m eligible to enroll?
To be eligible, you must meet the following qualifications:

• You are an MVEC member.
• You have successfully installed and have an eligible internet-connected thermostat.
• You use your connected thermostat to control your working central air conditioning and/or air source heat pump.

How do I sign up for the Energy Wise Wi-Fi Thermostat Program?

•  Locate your existing thermostat among the list of eligible models. If you don’t have an existing eligible thermostat, choose a model from the list, purchase and install it.
• Click the Enroll Now button to go to your thermostat’s enrollment site, where you’ll follow a series of simple steps to enroll.
• Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will be enrolled in the program. You will receive an email notification on your eligibility status.

What is my enrollment incentive?
Participants will receive a $50 bill credit on their electric bill after being accepted into the program within six to eight weeks.

How do I receive the 10% discount on my summer bills?
You will receive a 10% discount on your summer electric bill (June – September) for subsequent years that you participate in the program*. Members already participating in an A/C Energy Wise program will remain on their current program and receive the 10% discount or reduced rate.

How will I know that an event is in progress?
This depends on your thermostat provider and their notification process. Notifications can appear on the thermostat and/or in your web mobile application. Other than online Daily Load Management updates, MVEC does not send out notifications when an event occurs.

How will my thermostat be adjusted?

• Before an event, MVEC will pre-cool your home by 2 degrees.  Once the event starts, your thermostat will be automatically adjusted 4 degrees above the current temperature.
• The adjustments can last approximately 4 to 6 hours, during peak power usage days June 1 through September 30.
• Once the adjustment event is over, your thermostat will return to its normal set point and/or schedule.
• You can opt out of an event at any time from your mobile device, web browser, or thermostat. 

Will participating in the program negatively impact my comfort?
Adjustment events will only affect the temperature by 4 degrees, with minimal impact on comfort. Your participation is voluntary. 

Send an email to [email protected] requesting to end your participation. Unenrolling from the program will end your participation and your monthly savings for all enrolled thermostats.

To maintain eligibility for the rebate, participation in the air conditioning program is required for a minimum of one control season (June-August). Early termination will necessitate the repayment of the rebate.

If you have additional questions, you can email [email protected].

*If you currently participate in the Energy Wise Wi-Fi Thermostat Program, you are not eligible for this offer; as an existing participant, you already receive program incentives.

MVEC does not approve or endorse any one device or vendor over another and is not responsible for the vendors’ services and products.