Westerville Electric Expands “Smart Thermostat” Incentive

The Westerville Electric Division (WED) has launched the Community Energy Savings Program*, a rebate program that incentivizes the use of residential smart thermostats to reduce energy use during times of high electric demand.

The program is sponsored by American Municipal Power (AMP), of which WED is a partner as a public power provider.

Residents and business owners are able to opt-in to the program with compatible smart thermostats. Applicants complete an online application, and WED reviews the criteria and emails a $55 e-gift card for participants to use toward their purchase.

Central to the program is utilizing technology to reduce energy consumption during peak power consumption days. On certain high-heat days, which typically occur 10–15 days per year, an automated notification may be sent to smart thermostats and apps to adjust the home temperature slightly.

Leading up to a Community Energy Savings event, the enrolled thermostat will precool the house for several hours, helping to ensure the home stays comfortable during the peak event. Once the event begins, typically between 2 - 6 p.m. on the hottest days of the year, the thermostat will automatically increase the temperature set point to help reduce consumption when energy is most in demand. In any scenario, homeowners can manually override the adjustment.

WED has utilized a similar program with the Google Nest® “Rush Hour Rewards” program for several years.

“This is the place where technology, cost-savings and a cooperative community spirit meets to conserve energy,” said Chris Monacelli, Westerville Electric Division Utility Manager. “We’ve had good success with the initial program, and Community Energy Savings opens this to many more consumers, making a real community impact on energy efficiency.”

Peak power consumption days run from June 1 through Sept. 30 during weekdays, from 1-6 p.m. An “opt-out” option can be performed anytime through a mobile device, web browser or on the smart thermostat.

For more information and to sign up for the program, visit www.westerville.org/electric.

Eligible Thermostat Brands

(Visit www.westerville.org/electric for model name and numbers included.)

• Alarm.com

• Amazon

• Vivint

• Emerson

• Honeywell Home

• LUX

*This program does not replace the existing, active Nest Rush Hour Rewards program for Nest owners but offers a similar program for other smart thermostat owners.