What is the SimpleSaver Program/Demand Load Control? Bring Your Own Thermostat Program?
The program is designed to monitor and reduce electricity use during peak demand periods when energy costs are highest. In the summer, peak demand occurs as air conditioning strains the electric system. During winter, water heaters consume more power, which also increases your energy costs. But if those units are managed even briefly during peaks by installing remote switches, you can get a credit on your bill, and we all benefit. Simple Saver Program
BYOT Program: Purchase a wi-fi enabled thermostat and receive a credit on your bill and then receive a $20 bill credit in October of each year. SimpleSaver Thermostat Program
Why should I join?
Your participation will help delay the construction of additional power plants and benefit the environment. Best of all, you can save on your power bill. Helping our system to reduce costs is beneficial to you because your electric cooperative pays a higher price for energy during higher demand periods. Participants can also qualify for bill credits. So you not only reduce your energy costs, you also reduce your carbon footprint.
How does it work?
There are two simple ways to save. Participation in the air conditioner management program requires the installation of a remote switch to manage your central air conditioning unit(s) for brief periods when demand reaches peak levels. For those who enroll in the air conditioning management, your account will be credited for $20 annual per unit signed up. This credit represents the months of June, July, August and September. Window A/C units do not qualify. Those members currently enrolled in water heater management, receive a $10 per unit credit on your February bill if the water heater has a 40-gallon or greater capacity. Participants agree to allow the cooperative to manage the water heater’s power for brief periods when the demand for electricity is high especially during hot periods and some cold periods. At this time, we do not offer signups for water heaters.
Will I be uncomfortable if I participate?
If you join, we guarantee your comfort. During the few times of the year when we reach peak energy levels, you should never have more than 2 degrees of difference in room temperature. Except for the savings, you won’t even notice the difference.
What if I am not satisfied with the program?
SimpleSaver is a voluntary, no-risk program. If you decide that using the switch has made you feel uncomfortable, call us immediately. We can usually identify the problem. We believe you will be glad you joined the program, but should you wish to discontinue, you can call 1-800-305-5493.
Are there any other exceptions on who can join?
You must own and reside in the participating residence. I am moving to a new house, and I want to stay in the program. What should I do? Call us toll free at 1-800-305-5493. We will install the switch at your new house. Please make the new owner of your current home aware of the existing switch.
How often will my switch be activated?
Your A/C switch(es) will be activated only on summer days when demand for electricity reaches a peak. Your switch will not be activated during holidays unless there is a system emergency. If my switch fails or is damaged, will my air conditioner or water heater work? The switches are extremely reliable, with a failure rate below 1 percent. If there is a problem, a switch will default to “fail-safe” mode. When the switch is controlling, it should be a solid color and when it's not, it should be a "flashing" amber light.
Equipment Available
The equipment that will be available when you participate in the Simple Saver program will be a switch that will be furnished by Inter-County Energy that will control your air conditioning unit. The below reference sheet is for those members that participated in the thermostat program in 2012.
How can I sign up?
Call us toll free at 1-800-305-5493 or enroll online at Simple Saver Program
If you have had any problems with your Honeywell thermostat, please reference the pdf below for information on how to address your concerns.
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| simplesaver_thermostat_reference_guide_2012.pdf | 131 KB |