We are offering members discounted smart thermostats, such as ecobee and Nest, and smart water heater controls through our Connect to Save program. As a member of CCEC, you can have a smart thermostat installed by a qualified, certified installer for as little as $25.
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“We are excited about this program because it will not only save energy and costs for the individual member, but the devices in aggregate also will help the cooperative make its electrical system more efficient and provide cost savings for all our members,” said CEO Jake Joplin.
So how does a smart thermostat make the electrical system more efficient and save cost for everyone? During the month there are specific times, within three- to four-hour periods when electricity use is the highest. Because these periods of high use are not occurring consistently every day, but happen intermittently throughout the month, CCEC must purchase peak generation beyond its baseline generation to cover these periods. When this peak generation is brought online to serve a peak period, the cost of the generation is at a premium since it is being sold when demand is high.
The good news is that we are available to forecast and identify these periods of high electricity consumption using weather forecasts and historical data. For instance, historical data has shown us that in the winter months, most members have a similar load shape in the mornings, when outside temperatures are low and families are preparing for work and school. When this load shape is combined with a forecasted period of very cold weather, it defines for us the period when we need to leverage the capabilities of the Connect to Save program. In summer, the highest usage occurs when people arrive home from school, work or outdoor play and use more electricity when cooking and preparing for the next day.
A member enrolling in the Connect to Save program allows the cooperative to adjust the thermostat’s temperature setpoint at no more than three degrees during the forecasted period. That action in aggregate across the electrical system will displace the need for peak generation and save the cost of premium electricity.
“The program’s most promising benefit is that by working together we can help lower everyone’s cost of electricity,” Joplin said.
Other benefits of the program include:
- Smart capabilities – Save energy year-round by setting a schedule and taking advantage of vacation and away modes.
- Remote control – View and manage your thermostat remotely from your smart devices.
- Maintenance alerts – Set alerts to notify you when HVAC filters need to changed or when auxiliary heat strips are exceeding normal runtimes.