Smart Thermostat Program to Expand

Look for additional details coming soon! 


MGE is launching a new smart thermostat program this spring to welcome more customers and different types of smart thermostats.
  
Our initial program involving about 500 residential customers with Nest thermostats ended last fall. We're preparing to expand the program to include Nest thermostats and certain others. 
  
We're not quite ready to roll out specifics just yet so stay tuned to energy2030together.com. Eligible electric customers who participate will receive a gift card incentive. The program will be capped at 1,000 customers, which is double the size of our previous program. 
 

Save on a smart thermostat 

If you've been thinking about upgrading your thermostat, Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program is offering a $75 incentive on smart thermostats for eligible MGE customers. To learn more, visit focusonenergy.com/smart. 

There are several brands of smart thermostats. We do not expect all of them to be eligible for our program, but we hope to share those details here in the coming weeks. 


Program reduces summertime energy use 

Electric use peaks during stretches of hot, humid days when air conditioners are running in a majority of homes and businesses. These periods of high electric use, known as peak demand, result in more electricity use and put pressure on utilities to generate and distribute enough electricity to everyone who needs it. 
  
Our program tests how we can reduce peak demand using smart thermostats to manage air conditioners remotely. With customers' permission, minor temperature adjustments—typically of no more than four degrees—will be made to their household thermostats during times of high electric usage. Customers will be notified in advance and will be able to change the temperature on their thermostat at any time. 
  
The program helps us better understand the potential for reducing electric peaks using smart technologies. Data from our previous program shows most customers allowed the minor temperature adjustments, which typically last only two to three hours. 
  
As part of our Energy 2030 framework, MGE is advancing new technologies, such as smart thermostats, to help customers save energy and reduce our collective environmental impact.  Stay informed by visiting energy2030together.com and look for more details soon! 
 

published: Apr-17-2019