Saving money is really a by product of saving energy
If you are a member of an electric cooperative, you might already be aware of the energy saving programs available to you. In an initiative known as Beat the Peak, Palmetto Electric Cooperative and other South Carolina electric cooperatives are working hard to manage energy use during peak times. Peaks occur on the coldest winter mornings and hottest summer afternoons, when the demand for electricity, and the cost for it, is the highest. By keeping energy usage low during these peak times, the co-op can lower total power costs. Because electric cooperatives are not-for-profit companies, the savings are passed on to the co-op’s members.
By joining Beat the Peak, members can save both energy and money in a variety of ways. First, voluntarily sign up for Beat the Peak alerts to be notified by email, text or voice message at times when you can help reduce electricity use by turning off lights, adjusting your thermostat and delaying the use of major appliances such as hot water heaters, washing machines and clothes dryers. In 2020, more than 50,000 Beat the Peak participants throughout the state of South Carolina have helped save a projected $580,000 in wholesale power costs.
For years, Palmetto Electric Cooperative members have had access to H2O Select, an electric water heater program that saves members money each year in water heater rebates and incentives. By heating water when the demand for electricity is low and storing that thermal energy for later use, electric water heaters save members and the cooperative money.
In a similar way, the ecobee Smart Thermostat program helps members save by allowing Palmetto Electric to adjust your thermostat during peak energy periods. After enrolling, members will receive a FREE smart thermostat with FREE standard installation and could be eligible for Smart Rewards bill credits. Smart thermostats are designed to ensure that your home is at a specific temperature when it needs to be and eliminates unnecessary HVAC usage. Smart thermostats are more accurate at measuring the current indoor temperature and more efficient at raising or lowering it to your desired indoor temperature. They are wi-fi enabled and therefore, you can monitor and control them using a smartphone, tablet or computer – no matter where you are.
When you install an ecobee smart thermostat, you can:
- CONTROL: Conveniently adjust your home’s temperature from anywhere, anytime. Operate it from your mobile device, computer or tablet.
- TRACK: View monthly energy reports that show use. You can even compare your use to what others are using.
- SAVE: The thermostat adjusts when you’re not home. The thermostat also adjusts for a few degrees during peak periods. During peak control events, the thermostat’s temperature settings will be adjusted as needed, up to 4 degrees above or below your desired setting. You will be notified prior to an upcoming peak event and will have the opportunityto opt-out if desired.
By reducing your electricity use during peak times, you will be helping reduce costs for all Palmetto Electric members, and you could be eligible for Smart Rewards bill credits.
Visit palmetto.coop or contact Parrish Neville, Palmetto Electric Marketing Manager, at 843-681- 0071 or Kristin Keller, Palmetto Electric Marketing Representative, at 843-681-0075 for more information.
*Complete terms and conditions can be found online at palmetto.coop.
