South Carolina's Santee Cooper is offering bill credits to customers who enroll their smart thermostat in the new Santee Cooper Rewards demand response program.
Customers earn $75 when they enroll their smart thermostat and $50 annually for participating. Through the program, smart thermostats are automatically adjusted to reduce energy use during times of high demand - like extreme heat or cold spells - making participation in Santee Cooper Rewards effortless.
In the hours before a peak demand period, customers receive notification and their homes are pre-heated or pre-cooled to keep them comfortable. During the event, customers’ homes should stay within a few degrees of their regularly programmed temperatures.
“On extremely cold or hot days, electricity demand spikes which strains the grid and drives up the prices we pay for additional power to meet customer needs,” said Marty Watson, Senior Director, Commercial and Customer Service. “As a member of our Santee Cooper Rewards community, you'll help us avoid high demands that stress our grid, our budget and your monthly bill — all while keeping your home comfortable.”
The customer can opt out at any time.
Customers who do not have a smart thermostat but would like to participate can buy one from Santee Cooper Marketplace and receive an instant rebate. Other energy-efficient equipment is available on Marketplace, most with manufacturers' discounts and/or instant rebates.
Marketplace is a service Santee Cooper offers customers, and the utility does not receive proceeds from sales.
