Sawnee EMC has a new incentive program specifically designed for its members who have an internet-connected HVAC thermostat, commonly referred to as a “smart” thermostat.
The electric co-op recently partnered with EnergyHub, the leading provider of internet-connected device management for utilities, in order to launch their new “Sawnee Smart Savers” Program. Sawnee Smart Savers is a money-saving demand response program that allows participating members to enroll their smart thermostat into the program, and receive a monetary incentive for doing so.
Cumming-based Sawnee EMC’s existing demand response program (called Load Management), which has been in operation for over 30 years, utilizes a physical switch that is connected to a home’s outside HVAC unit and is activated with a radio signal from the cooperative. This existing Load Management program currently has approximately 40,000 participants and continues to be very successful.
Available for enrollment starting Monday, the new Smart Savers program will be able to activate HVAC demand response activities by communicating with a participant’s smart thermostat, which is Wi-Fi or home security enabled. In this program, there is no need for a Load Management switch to be installed; the smart thermostat serves as the switch.
“This is a new horizon for demand response. We consider it to be the next generation of our Load Management program, which has been very successful. Technology is changing and we needed an option for our members who wanted to participate in our conventional Load Management program, but were unable for various reasons.” said Blake House, Vice President of Member Services at Sawnee EMC. “This is one of the most innovative programs we have ever offered and we are very excited about it.”
Members who enroll into the program by July 15, 2016, will receive a $50 credit for each qualifying thermostat. More information about the Sawnee Smart Saver program and how to sign up can be found at www.sawnee.com/smartsavers.
