Just like roads at rush hour, the electric grid experiences moments of high traffic or “demand.” By joining this program, you earn cash rewards while allowing Piedmont Electric to make occasional small thermostat adjustments during high-demand periods. Together, these small changes help reduce strain on the grid and keep rates low for everyone.
How It Works
Your Nest thermostat learns your schedule and optimizes heating and cooling for efficiency and comfort. On high-demand days, your co-op will adjust your thermostat a few degrees via Wi-Fi to reduce strain on the grid. You can override the adjustment anytime, but opting out of more than five events per year may impact your rewards.
Program Eligibility
To qualify, you must:
✔ Own a Nest thermostat
✔ Have in-home Wi-Fi
✔ Stay enrolled for at least one year (or the rebate will be removed)
Step by step guide to receiving your $100 rebate
Nest thermostat owners can save money, reduce their energy bills and earn a $100 rebate plus $5.00 monthly bill credits, June–September, by joining our Smart Thermostat Savings Program. Learn more below.
Step 1
In order to receive a rebate and monthly credits, you must first register your Nest thermostat(s) with Google. If you have already completed this step, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2
Sign up for Rush Hour Rewards to get a $100 rebate and monthly bill credits, June-September. During peak demand times, we’ll adjust your thermostat by up to 4°F to help reduce energy use when electricity costs the most.
Step 3
Piedmont Electric needs some information from you to ensure your account receives your bill credit and monthly credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When an event is called, the setpoint on your enrolled thermostat(s) is automatically adjusted by 3 degrees; events last 2-4 hours. You can opt out of an event by changing the setpoint on your thermostat.
When could an event occur, and how often?
- Our control events go from June-September.
- Events last for 2-4 hours, typically 3-4 times a month.
- Events usually occur between 1 and 8 pm in the summer.
- You are likely to experience more events when outside temperatures are more extreme. This creates the greatest positive change in your community’s energy use.
- You always have control of your thermostat. You can opt out of events at any time, but opting out of more than 5 events in a year may affect your rewards.
- Maximum of 26 events per season, minimum of 1 event per month. Events occur no more than 3 days in a row.
- New members receive a $100.00 rebate upon enrolling in the program
- Receive monthly bill credits of $5.00 from June-September
If you’re interested in controlling your heating and cooling from anywhere, an energy-efficient smart thermostat may be right for you. A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts heating and cooling temperature settings in your home for optimal performance. Piedmont Electric also has incentives for smart thermostat owners that can help you save money and lower your monthly bill. Learn more about our smart thermostat savings program today.
Smart thermostat users save an estimated 10-23% on their energy bills per year according to studies conducted by Nest and Ecobee producers. And that’s not the only way you save as a smart thermostat owner. Check out the four different ways you can save as a Piedmont Electric member below!
- Receive an initial rebate for your smart thermostat by signing up for the program and providing proof of purchase.* (This can be a new purchase or a past purchase).
- Get a credit on your bill just for being a part of the program.*
- Decrease your bill by lowering your energy use as your smart thermostat cools and heats your home more efficiently.
- Help us reduce our peak which helps keep rates low. Programs like our smart thermostat program, load control, Beat the Peak and time-of-day rates all help reduce our peak and save money. As a not-for-profit cooperative, when Piedmont Electric saves, you save too!
*Savings program credits and rebate terms and conditions can be found here.
Yes! All you need is a Nest smart thermostat, Wi-Fi and permission from your landlord or apartment complex to install a smart thermostat.
Smart Thermostat Savings Enrollment Form
After you have completed your device registration and enrollment to Rush Hour Rewards, please complete your program enrollment with this co-op form.