MVEC Energy Wise Wi-Fi Thermostat Program FAQ

What is the Energy Wise Wi-Fi Thermostat Program?
  • MVEC’s voluntary program is designed to reward you for reducing your electricity use during periods of high demand for electricity, while helping the environment and reliability of the electric grid.

  • Members agree to brief, limited events which adjust their thermostats during peak electric demand periods from June 1 through September 30 on non-holiday weekdays or weekends. You can anticipate in at least one event, and a maximum of up to 18 events per summer. Peak electricity demand typically occurs on hot summer days.

  • MVEC members who have installed a qualifying connected thermostat controlling their central air conditioning system and/or air source heat pump are eligible.

  • Participants will receive a $50 bill credit after being accepted into the program and 10% discount on your summer electric bill (June – September) for subsequent years that you participate in the program. Members already participating in an A/C Energy Wise program will remain on their current program and receive the 10% discount or reduced rate. For example, if you are receiving a reduced rate, you will NOT also receive the additional 10% discount.

  • Members will small businesses or more than one central conditioner will receive a $10/month bill credit on statements dated during the months of June - September of every year. You must use a minimum of 200kWh each month to qualify for the bill credit.

How does the Energy Wise Wii-Fi Thermostat Program benefit the community?

The program:

  • Supports Minnesota’s energy initiatives.

  • Protects our environment by lowering emissions.

  • Helps reduce the cost of peak energy in our region.

How will I know if I’m eligible to enroll?

To be eligible to enroll, you must meet the following qualifications:

  • You are a MVEC member.

  • You have successfully installed and have an eligible internet-connected thermostat.

  • You use your connected thermostat to control your working central air conditioning and/or air source pump.

Which thermostats qualify for the program?

Below is the current list of qualifying thermostats.

Provider

Approved Thermostats

Amazon

Amazon Smart Thermostat

Alarm.com

Trane ComfortLink Control; RCS Z-Wave Communicating Thermostat; GoControl Z-wave Thermostat; Alarm.com Smart Thermostat; 2GIG Z-Wave Plus™ Battery Powered Thermostat; Trane Z-Wave Thermostat; Linear Thermostat; Smart Thermostat HD (ADC T40K-HD); ADC T3000, ADC T2000

ecobee

ecobee3, ecobee3 Lite, ecobee4, ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control, Smart Thermostat Enhanced, Smart Thermostat Premium

Google Nest

Google Nest Thermostat, Google Nest Learning Thermostat, Google Nest Thermostat E

Honeywell Home

Wi-Fi T5+ Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi T6 Pro Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi T9 Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi T10 Smart Thermostat

Honeywell TCC

Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, Wi-Fi 9000 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, Wi-Fi 9000 Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi VisionPro 8000 Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi Round Smart Thermostat

Lux

LUX/GEO, LUX KONO

Sensi

Sensi™ Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat, Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat, Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat, Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat

Where can I find the Terms & Conditions for this program?

You can find the program terms and conditions for all thermostat providers below:

Provider

Terms and Conditions

Amazon

Terms and Conditions

Alarm.com

Terms and Conditions

ecobee

Terms and Conditions

Honeywell

Terms and Conditions

Google Nest

Terms and Conditions

Lux

Terms and Conditions

Sensi

Terms and Conditions

What is my enrollment incentive?

Participants will receive a $50 bill credit on their electric bill after being accepted into the program within six to eight weeks.

How do I receive the 10% discount on my summer bills?

You will receive the 10% discount on your summer electric bill (June – September) for subsequent years that you participate in the program.

How will I know that an event is in progress?

Depending on your thermostat provider, notifications may appear on the thermostat and/or in your web or mobile application.

How will my thermostat be adjusted?
  • At the start of an event, your thermostat will be automatically adjusted a few degrees above the current temperature.

  • The adjustment will typically last no more than 5 hours, and will occur between 3 and 9 p.m. on non-holiday weekdays or weekends.

  • Once the adjustment event is over, your thermostat will return to its normal set point and/or schedule.

  • In some cases, your thermostat might be adjusted down prior to an event to pre-cool your home or business.

  • You can opt out of an event at any time from your mobile device, web browser, or thermostat. When you opt out of the pre-cool, you are also opting out of the temperature adjustment.

Will participating in the program negatively impact my comfort?

Thermostat adjustment events will only affect the temperature by a few degrees, with minimal impact on comfort. Your participation is voluntary.

Am I allowed to opt out of thermostat adjustment events?

Yes. At any time during an event, you can opt out from your thermostat, mobile device or web app.

Does opting out of the pre-cool opt me out of the thermostat adjustment event?

Yes, when you opt out of the pre-cool, you are also opting out of the temperature adjustment.

How do I unenroll from the Energy Wise Wi-Fi Thermostat Program?

Send an email to energywise@energyhub.com requesting to end your participation. Unenrolling from the program will end your participation and the 10% savings for all your enrolled thermostats.

What if I have additional questions about the program?

If you have additional questions, you can email energywise@energyhub.com.