Have you signed up for GVEC’s Peak-Time Payback demand response program yet? If you’ve been hesitating because of myths or assumptions about how these types of programs work, let us help you separate fact from fiction!
Myth:
Demand response programs aren’t really necessary or helpful.
Fact:
Demand response programs like Peak-Time Payback are valuable to individuals and our Co-op as a whole in a number of ways. These programs can help lessen demand for power during peak times, when energy consumption usually surges. Peak-Time events often take place during the hottest part of summer days (between the hours of 3 to 7 p.m.). While helping you conserve electricity, it also lessens transmission costs, helping to keep electric bills stable year-round.
Myth:
Peak-Time Payback doesn’t benefit me directly.
Fact:
Not only will Peak-Time Payback help keep transmission costs low—enrolling in the program delivers even more savings. When you initially sign up, you’ll immediately earn a one-time $85 bill credit. Additionally, you’ll receive a $30 bill credit each year you’re enrolled from May 31 to September 30 that will be applied to your October bill. That’s $115 in bill credits during the first year you enroll!
Myth:
It will get too hot in my house.
Fact:
If a big rise in demand is predicted due to extreme weather temperatures, a Peak-Time event may be scheduled. GVEC will issue instructions to your ecobee or Nest® thermostat, lowering the temperature to precool your home in the hours leading up to the event. When the temperature is raised during the event (helping to lessen the strain on the statewide electricity grid), the thermostat will never be adjusted more than two degrees. Once the Peak-Time event is over, your thermostat will return to its regular schedule.
Myth:
My electricity provider will have control over my thermostat setting all the time.
Fact:
Typically, Peak-Time events occur on extremely hot summer days. Members can expect to see no more than 25 events from June-September, varying according to overall whether patters for the season. There will never be more than one Peak-Time event per day or three per week.
Enroll Before May 31!
There’s still time sign up and maximize your Peak-Time Payback for 2021! To learn more about how to enroll, visit www.gvec.org/Peat-Time -Payback. You’ll need a Nest or ecobee thermostat for your AC/heating system. GVEC offers several models, including the Nest Learning Thermostat® and ecobee. Call us at 866.684.2359 to learn more today!
