As smart technology marches into our homes and workplaces in droves, energy companies are looking for ways to incentivize customers to take the leap. Smart thermostats are efficient and precise, allowing you to easily control your home’s temperature.
Overall, smart thermostats can help you save money, but there are other factors to consider when deciding whether one is a good fit for you.
Key Takeaways
- Many smart thermostats allow for remote control of temperatures. They may also track and learn from energy usage to make adjustments based on your lifestyle, helping you save money over time.
- Several electricity providers, including some in Texas, offer rebates, credit, and other rewards for updating their power systems to a new smart thermostat.
- While financial support is a strong incentive to invest in a smart thermostat, make sure you’re aware of its downsides before making the switch.
Smart Thermostat Offers
| State | Power Company | Promotion |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | APS | $30 bill credit |
| California | LADWP | $100 rebate |
| California | SoCalGas | $75 rebate |
| California | Southern California Edison | $75 rebate |
| Colorado | Xcel Energy | $50 rebate |
| Georgia | Georgia Power | $75 rebate |
| Idaho | Avista Utilities | $20/unit utility rebate |
| Idaho | Rocky Mountain Power | $75 rebate |
| Ilinois | Ameren Illinois | $125 rebate |
| Illinois | ComEd | $75 rebate |
| Illinois | MidAmerican Energy | Up to $75 rebate |
| Illinois | Peoples Gas | $25 rebate |
| Indiana | AEP Indiana Michigan Power | $25 rebate |
| Indiana | Vectren | $75 rebate |
| Iowa | Alliant Energy | $100 rebate |
| Iowa | MidAmerican Energy | Up to $75 rebate |
| Louisiana | SWEPCO | $75 rebate |
| Maryland | Baltimore Gas & Electric | $75 rebate |
| Maryland | PEPCO | $75 rebate |
| Massachusetts | Berkshire Gas | Up to $100 rebate |
| Massachusetts | National Grid Massachusetts | $25 rebate |
| Michigan | AEP Indiana Michigan Power | $25 rebate |
| Michigan | SEMCO Energy | $100 rebate |
| Michigan | DTE Energy | $50 rebate |
| Minnesota | ALP Utilities | $25 rebate |
| Missouri | Ameren Missouri | $100 rebate |
| Nevada | NV Energy | free smart thermostat |
| New Hampshire | Liberty Utilities | $25 rebate |
| New York | Consolidated Edison | $135 rebate |
| New York | National Grid Long Island | $75 rebate |
| New York | National Grid NYC | $75 rebate |
| New York | National Grid Upstate | $75 rebate |
| North Carolina | Duke Energy | $75 rebate |
| Oklahoma | AEP Public Service Co of OK | $75 rebate |
| Oregon | Avista Utilities | $75 rebate |
| Oregon | Portland General Electric | $50 rebate |
| Oregon | Cascade Natural Gas | $50 rebate |
| Oregon | NW Natural Gas | $100 rebate |
| Oregon | Pacific Power | $100 rebate |
| Oregon | Energy Trust | $80 – $100 incentive |
| Pennsylvania | Champion Energy | $50 rebate |
| Pennsylvania | PPL | $50 – $100 rebate |
| Pennsylvania | UGI Electric | $50 rebate |
| Pennsylvania | UGI Gas | $100 rebate |
| Rhode Island | National Grid Rhode Island | $50 rebate |
| South Carolina | Duke Energy | $75 rebate |
| South Dakota | MidAmerican Energy | $25 rebate |
| Texas | Champion Energy | $50 rebate |
| Texas | CoServ | Rush Hour Rewards |
| Texas | CPS Energy | free Honeywell WiFi Thermostat |
| Texas | Direct Energy | $25 rebate |
| Texas | Gexa Energy | Up to 2 free smart thermostats |
| Texas | Reliant Energy | $25 rebate |
| Texas | SWEPCO | $75 rebate |
| Texas | TriEagle Energy | free Honeywell WiFi Thermostat |
| Utah | Dominion Energy | Up to $30 rebate |
| Utah | Rocky Mountain Power | $75 rebate |
| Vermont | Burlington Electric | $50 rebate |
| Vermont | Vermont Gas | up to $100 rebate |
| Virginia | Columbia Gas of Virginia | $50 rebate |
| Washington | Avista Utilities | up to $70 rebate |
| Washington | Pacific Power | $50 rebate |
| Washington | Puget Sound Energy | $75 rebate |
| Wisconsin | Alliant Energy | $100 rebate |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Utilities | $100 rebate |
Remote Control of Thermostats by Electricity Company
While smart thermostats can help save you money, they may also come with unintended consequences. Recently, many energy companies have come under fire for programs that allow remote control of thermostats. These programs allow companies to adjust the thermostat settings of customers from afar.
These temperature adjustments are typically minor and brief – their stated intent is to alleviate stress on power grids during periods of peak demand. However, some critics have expressed concern, especially in areas subject to warm temperatures.
Some customers report waking up to unusually warm temperatures that, in some cases, could prove to be dangerous for children, pets, and others.
Overall, the controversy surrounding this topic indicates a clear need for better communication and transparency from energy companies. While customers can opt-out of these programs, many are unaware they’ve enrolled in the first place. Despite the importance of this energy-saving strategy, it has sparked a larger conversation about customer awareness.
As a result, if you’re considering bringing smart technology into your home, it’s important to be aware of circumstances like these. Knowing what to expect can help you make informed decisions about which program(s) you sign up for. Never hesitate to ask your energy provider questions about your smart thermostat system.