Take control of your comfort and savings!
With a smart thermostat, you can adjust heating and cooling from your computer or mobile device while monitoring your real-time energy use. Since heating and cooling often make up more than half of your energy bill, even small changes can make a big impact.
The U.S. Department of Energy reports that programmable thermostats can cut heating and cooling costs by up to 15% each year, reduce wear and tear on your system, and help you save on maintenance over time.
Wi-Fi Thermostat Benefits
- You can control Wi-Fi thermostats from your computer or smartphone, making it easier than ever to manage your home comfort and energy use.
- Set it and forget it! Better manage temperature settings when you’re at home or away. You’ll automatically lower your energy costs, as well as help MVEC ensure lower rates for everyone.
- Learn everyday energy-saving habits. Be a part of the solution in controlling costs by reducing consumption when prices and rates are high due to increased demand for electricity.
Wi-Fi Thermostat Program Requirements
- Works only with central air—not window units.
- Must connect to your home’s wireless network.
- Homeowner or landlord permission is required.
- Cannot combine with Energy Wise AC programs.
- Must participate for one full control season (June–September) to keep the rebate.
Program Overview
- 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.
- 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 Will My Wi-Fi 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.
- MVEC updates the Daily Load Management page whenever an event is scheduled.
- 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.
How Do I Unenroll from the Program?
- Send an email to energy wise requesting to end your participation.
- Leaving 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 result in you paying back the rebate amount on your next electric bill.
Questions?
Email energy wise