You probably already know that a smart thermostat helps you save energy and money in your home, but did you know that using one can also help make our energy grid more sustainable?
That’s right. By simply having a smart thermostat, you can help us ensure the energy needs of the Valley are met today and for years to come.
All you have to do is bring your own thermostat.
Building a more resilient grid
Customers with smart thermostats can join the SRP Bring Your Own Thermostat Program™ (BYOT), a demand response program designed to reward you for reducing electricity use during periods of high demand.
Demand response is when you reduce or shift your electricity use during peak hours in exchange for savings on your bill.
Through something called a “conservation event,” the BYOT program allows us to reduce strain on the grid. What does that mean exactly?
Imagine those really hot days when you crank your AC but it’s just not cooling your home quick enough. Now multiply that by a million homes. Grid strain occurs when all power generation sources are firing on all cylinders and immediately being consumed by all households.
What is a conservation event?
A conservation event is when your smart thermostat automatically turns the temperature up a few degrees. It happens when the strain on our electric grid is at its highest and, in simple terms, it helps give our grid a break.
Here’s how it works: During a high-demand period, like a hot summer afternoon when everyone is running their AC, participating smart thermostats will automatically raise the set temperature a few degrees.
Conservation events happen May 1 through Oct. 31 (except on holidays). They occur between noon and 9 p.m. and typically last no more than three hours.
And, of course, we’ll always give you a heads-up before conservation events happen.
You’ll be in the know and in control
You’ll get an alert before every conservation event so you can precool your home.Once it’s over, your thermostat will return to its normal set point and schedule.
Don’t want to participate? No problem. You can opt out of an event at any time from your phone, computer or thermostat.
Enroll your device
By participating in the program, you’re helping SRP utilize new technology that reduces peaks and takes some of the strain off the grid during hotter, busier times of the day. That ultimately helps maintain our grid reliability.
Need even more reasons? You can receive a $50 bill credit for signing up and a $25 bill credit for each following year you participate. You can also access exclusive deals and discounts on smart thermostats through SRP Marketplace™.