A smart thermostat is a programmable thermostat that connects to your home’s wi-fi and lets you adjust your thermostat setting to fit your schedule and save energy.

The Connect & $ave program is an easy way for electric cooperative members to reduce their electricity use during times of peak power demand on the regional grid. By participating in Connect & $ave, members agree to allow the cooperative to control their thermostat during a load management event. In return for participation, members receive a $25 bill credit, annually, provided they do not opt out of the program.

When our wholesale power provider Dairyland Power Cooperative calls for a load management event, the thermostat will pre-cool before the load management event begins. Once the event has been initiated, air conditioners will be cycled on and off in 15-minute increments.

By adjusting your thermostat during peak demand periods, we can lower the cooperative’s peak demand. Lowering peak demand means the cooperative purchases less electricity when it is most expensive. This savings helps keeps our electricity rates stable.

Thermostats may be called upon any time between 1:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., up to three weekdays per month June – August. Participants will receive a notice from the cooperative the day the management program will be initiated.

What are participation and equipment requirements?

• A member must:
  • be a member of the electric cooperative
  • be the homeowner
  • have or purchase a qualifying thermostat:
    • ecobee3 lite
    • ecobee 4
    • Emerson Sensi smart thermostat
  • sign a participation agreement
  • have internet service at the home for the smart thermostat to connect to via wi-fi

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The ability to schedule your thermostat settings or to adjust them remotely can help avoid heating and cooling your home at unnecessary levels when no one is there. ENERGY STAR certified smart thermostats can help a homeowner save up to 8 percent on their heating and cooling bills. (Energy Efficiency Program Sponsor Frequently Asked Questions About ENERGY STAR Smart Thermostats | ENERGY STAR)

You can opt-out of a load management event by clicking the opt-out button on your thermostat app or on the thermostat. However, if a member opts out of a certain number of events, they will not receive the annual bill credit.