More than 2,000 customers of City Utilities of Springfield, Mo., helped reduce electricity use across Springfield during the first Peak Rewards event of the summer on June 30.
Thanks to their voluntary participation, electric demand was lowered by 2.4 megawatts during the highest usage time of the day -- enough energy to power approximately 2,000 homes.
CU Peak Rewards offers customers a simple way to save energy and earn incentives. Participants receive a $50 enrollment incentive for each eligible smart thermostat they enroll and a $25 annual incentive for continued participation.
This voluntary program is designed to help manage electric demand during peak usage periods, such as stretches of extreme heat or cold. By lowering system demand during high use times, the program helps save energy in the short-term and delay the need for additional power generation in the future.
During the June event, 2,022 enrolled smart thermostats were automatically adjusted by two degrees for a four hour period when energy use was at its highest. While customers were able to opt out at any time, more than 82% participated.
Customers are notified of each Peak Rewards event in advance and may opt out at any time by manually adjusting their thermostat. City Utilities will never make thermostat adjustments on non event days, it noted.
