Fiction: “The Energy Wise Rewards programmable thermostat will allow Pepco to change my home temperature over the Internet.”
Fact: You—and only you—have control of temperature settings. Pepco can only send a signal to cycle your A/C compressor during a conservation period on a Peak Savings Day or other system emergency.
Fiction: “I need an Internet connection to participate in Energy Wise Rewards.”
Fact: You only need a central air conditioner or heat pump to participate. Certain devices, like the outdoor switch and some programmable thermostats receive radio signals to begin a conservation period, and do not rely on the Internet.
Fiction: “I already have a programmable thermostat, so there’s no reason for me to participate in Energy Wise Rewards.”
Fact: If you already have a programmable thermostat, you can help your community even more by participating in Energy Wise Rewards. Using an Energy Wise Rewards programmable thermostat allows customers to increase grid reliability during times of peak demand and customers are rewarded with bill credits on their summer electricity bills for participating.
Fiction: “If I participate in this program, I will use more electricity getting my house back to the setting I like when the conservation period ends—and my A/C will need to work harder.”
Fact: Even though your system is likely to operate at its full output to reach your chosen set temperature once the conservation period is over, generally the system will return to full operation at a gradual pace after the conservation period. Additionally, the savings realized during the conservation period offset the energy used to return to normal operations.