SmartTemp for Multifamily Properties
The SMECO SmartTemp Program offers members an easy way to manage their energy costs and earn rewards, all while supporting the electric grid during times of peak demand. You can boost your property’s value and bottom line, all while helping your business and your residents save more each month.
What Property Managers Get
$5 per unit, per month
For each enrolled unit, including those previously enrolled, you will earn $5 per month from June through October. Incentives are paid out in October.
20 units enrolled throughout the season would earn you $500
No-cost thermostat installation
If any units need a qualifying thermostat, SMECO covers the cost through the EmPOWER Maryland program and handles the installation. No work or extra costs for you or your residents.
No additional cost materials
You’ll receive plug-and-play content for resident outreach. We’ll handle all the logistics and setup. Just hand them out to tenants and spread the word — we’ll handle the rest.
What Residents Get
Monthly bill credits
Residents can earn up to $50 per season. So, while you earn per unit, they save on their bills.
$50 enrollment bonus
Each resident gets a one-time bonus when they join and connect their smart thermostat. It’s a win for them, and your property.
Lower energy costs for our community
During peak times, SMECO makes small, short-term thermostat adjustments to reduce strain on the electric grid. These changes last around one to two hours and residents can opt out of an event at any time.
How It Works
STEP 1
Tell us you’re interested.
Share your property name, contact info, and estimated number of units.
STEP 2
Receive your materials.
SMECO will provide flyers, emails, and digital content to help get residents involved.
STEP 3
SMECO connects with residents.
We’ll take care of signups and any needed thermostat installs at no additional cost to you or them. If the resident already has a smart thermostat installed, they will need to enroll themselves in the program.
STEP 4
Everyone gets paid.
Residents receive their bill credits throughout the summer season, and your bonuses are tallied and paid out at the end of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Demand Response helps SMECO reduce strain on the electric grid during times of high electric use, like hot summer days. By making small temperature adjustments with devices like smart thermostats, SMECO can lower overall energy demand and maintain reliable service. When members participate, they help support a more stable grid by reducing the need for additional energy generation during periods of high demand. This can help reduce overall grid strain and may contribute to managing energy costs for all members.
SMECO-approved contractors can schedule an appointment to install pre-enrolled smart thermostat upgrades in your units at no additional cost to you.
Tenants can opt out simply by changing the temperature on their thermostat.
Enrollments for each property are reported to the Property Management team monthly (June-October). The total is then tallied and paid out at the end of the season.
Example:
1. June = 20 enrollments ($100.00)
2. July = 30 enrollments ($150.00)
3. August = 50 enrollments ($250.00)
4. September = 50 enrollments ($250.00)
5. October = 60 enrollments ($300.00).
Total payout for the season: $1,050.00
Any thermostat from the brands below are eligible to enroll:
| Provider | Approved Thermostats |
|---|---|
| Alarm.com | Trane ComfortLink Control; RCS Z-Wave Communicating Thermostat; GoControl Z-wave Thermostat; Alarm.com Smart Thermostat; 2GIG Z-Wave Plus™ Battery Powered Thermostat; Trane Z-Wave Thermostat; Linear Thermostat; Smart Thermostat HD (ADC T40K-HD); ADC T3000, ADC T2000, ecobee Thermostat, Honeywell T6 |
| ecobee | ecobee3, ecobee3 Lite, ecobee4, ecobee SmartThermostat with voice control, Smart Thermostat Enhanced, Smart Thermostat Premium, Smart Thermostat Essential |
| Google Nest | Google Nest Learning Thermostat (4th gen), Google Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd gen),Google Nest Learning Thermostat (2nd gen)*, Google Nest Learning Thermostat (1st gen)*, Google Nest Thermostat, and Google Nest Thermostat E |
| Honeywell Home | Wi-Fi T5+ Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi T6 Pro Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi T9 Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi T10 Smart Thermostat |
| Honeywell TCC | Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, Wi-Fi 9000 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, Wi-Fi 9000 Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi VisionPro 8000 Smart Thermostat, Wi-Fi Round Smart Thermostat |
| Lux | LUX/GEO, LUX KONO |
| Sensi | Sensi™ Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat, Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat, Sensi Lite Smart Thermostat, Sensi Touch 2 Smart Thermostat |
| Amazon | Amazon Smart Thermostat |
Explore More
Business Solutions
Get financial incentives for taking on larger energy-saving improvements in your common areas and offices. Save on lighting, HVAC upgrades, and tune-ups. Plus, take courses to optimize your building’s systems.
EV Recharge
Give residents and guests easy access to power up their EVs on-site. You can get up to four Level 2 charging ports installed at no additional cost.
Multifamily Energy Efficiency and Housing Affordability
See if you qualify for funding to make energy-saving improvements from the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Questions?
Get answers. Email us or call 877-818-4094.
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.