Peak Reduction Bill Credits

When it’s hot outside and everyone runs their AC, demand for energy and the cost of power increase. SMECO offers a variety of programs to help reduce demand during peak periods of energy use, and you can earn bill credits simply by participating.

Man holding smartphone and smiling; Reduce your energy use and recieve up to $100 your first year

Smart thermostats are an easy and convenient way to manage your home’s energy use. SMECO’s SmartTemp program can take your smart thermostat one step further to optimize your home’s energy use when energy demand is high. In return, you can earn up to $50 in bill credits each year you participate.

When you enroll your smart thermostat, SMECO will make small, brief adjustments* during times of peak electric demand. During those short adjustments, your smart thermostat will cycle your AC compressor to reduce the high energy demand on the electric grid. Thermostat adjustments will affect the temperature of your home by a few degrees, with minimal impact on comfort. Your central AC fan will continue to circulate air throughout your home.

You can opt out of an event at any time, for any reason. Once the typical 2-3 hour event is over, your smart thermostat will trigger your AC system to automatically resume operation and adjust the temperature to your normal setting and schedule.

Reducing energy demand during peak periods increases sustainability and benefits all members in the SMECO community.

Enroll in SmartTemp Today

SMECO CoolSentry program participants are not eligible for SMECO’s SmartTemp program.

For more information, visit our Smart Temp FAQs or email us.

*Enrolled thermostats will be adjusted by no more than four degrees during peak periods.

Family playing with wooden blocks; Optimize energy use in spring, summer, fall, and winter - earn $100 your first year

With SMECO’s FlexTemp pilot program, you can easily enroll your smart thermostat. You’ll help reduce demand during peak energy use periods and reduce costs when demand is high in spring, summer, fall, and winter. Plus, you’ll earn up to $50 in bill credits each year you participate.

When you enroll, SMECO can make minor adjustments of 1 to 4 degrees to your smart thermostat during 15-minute to 1-hour events. These thermostat setbacks will reduce the high energy demand on the electric grid, while having a minor impact on the temperature of your home.

Enroll in FlexTemp Today

Enroll in SMECO’s SmartTemp program. If you have an eligible thermostat, we will contact you about participating in the FlexTemp pilot program. SMECO CoolSentry program participants are not eligible for SMECO’s FlexTemp pilot program.

Thermostat against a sky background: Put your power to work for Southern Maryland. We'll reward you with a programmable thermostat and up to $75 in annual SMECO electric bills

Our SMECO CoolSentry Load Management Program offers groundbreaking technology that could help avert energy shortages in our community during the high demand summer months.

Enroll in CoolSentry Today

Big picture benefits

Your participation helps protect the environment and keep electricity rates lower longer.

Ready for tomorrow

Equipped with leading-edge wireless technology, the CoolSentry thermostat will do much more than save you money.

Energy tips

Check out our Ways to Save page to learn how to save at home, at work, and on the road.

Carbon Calculator

Estimate the size of your carbon footprint with our convenient Carbon Savings Calculator.

Details SmartTemp FlexTemp CoolSentry
Participation Bonus Bill Credits Up to $50 annually Up to $50 annually Up to $75 annually
Event Length 2 to 3 hours (4-hour maximum) 15 minutes to 1 hour 2 to 3 hours (4-hour maximum)
Temperature Offset 1 to 4º F 1 to 4º F 1 to 4º F
Seasonality Summer Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter Summer
Eligible Smart Thermostats: Ecobee
Honeywell Home
LUX
Sensi
Honeywell Home
Nest
SensiAlarm.com
CoolSentry Thermostat
CoolSentry DCU (device on outdoor unit)
EmPower Maryland logo

EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your energy bill. EmPOWER programs can help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money. Learn more about EmPOWER and how you can participate.