Did You See The Story About Evergy Controlling Your Thermostat?
I follow a lot of Kansas City television stations on Facebook. So when I saw Fox 4's headline "Heatwave: Evergy warns customers it will likely take control of some thermostats" it caught my attention. My first thought was, what, Evergy can control my thermostat?
I was a little confused because I've never heard of a power company actually controlling how warm or cool my home is. They make suggestions, sure. But it's not like they magically can control what temperature I set my thermostat at.
When I read a little bit more into the story I found out Evergy will "probably take control" of the thermostats of those who signed up for the power company's Thermostat Program.
The program works by giving folks who enroll a free or discounted smart thermostat and a $25.00 discount on their service per year. In exchange, Evergy says users will experience a few energy savings events a year between June 1 and September 30. In these events, Evergy will take control of your thermostat and bump the temperature up between 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM CDT.
And even if you are in the Thermostat Program and Evergy wants control of your thermostat. That doesn't mean you have to give it to them. They warn folks about it via text message early in the day and Thermostat Program members can opt-out of that specific energy-saving event. And if you're home, and start to feel a little too toasty, you can bump the temperature down.
Want to save some electricity during the heatwave and lower your electric bill a little bit? Evergy suggests unplugging cell phones and tablets when fully charged. Changing five light bulbs to LED bulbs. Unplugging appliances you aren't using. Washing your clothes in cold water. And of course, upping your thermostat. Every degree above 75 that you set your thermostat will reduce your cooling costs by 3 percent.
Chuck Caisley, Senior Vice President and Chief Customer Officer said in a release that Evergy is, "ready for summer’s 100-degree days and to provide reliable electricity as customers aim to stay comfortable." You are now free to set your thermostat at whatever temperature you want.