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.

Thank you for contacting the SMECO CoolSentry Program. The CoolSentry Program ended effective December 31, 2023. The program is no longer active, and we are no longer able to cycle your AC compressor. SMECO may be reaching out to you in the coming months to inform you of changes to the Demand Response programs for the upcoming summer season.

If you have a CoolSentry thermostat, you can keep the thermostat and continue to use it as there is no change in functionality.

If you have an outdoor switch, there is no need to remove the device, but you may discuss doing so with your HVAC provider at a regularly scheduled maintenance visit for your system.

The switch or thermostat can be disposed of in the same way you discard other home electronic devices.

We thank you for your past participation and contribution to the SMECO CoolSentry Program. If you have any questions, you can contact SMECO by email or by calling 1-888-440-3311.

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.