Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Just like roads at rush hour, the electric grid experiences moments of high traffic, or demand. By participating in Connect to Save, you earn rewards for allowing your co-op to occasionally make small adjustments to your thermostat during an “event” when demand is high. 

Learn more on our About page.   

Connect to Save allows you to enroll your existing smart thermostat and earn a reward for using less electricity when demand is high. You’ll receive $50 upfront and $35 each year for each qualifying thermostat (up to $70). 

When demand for electricity is expected to peak, your thermostat setting will adjust by a few degrees. You always maintain control of your thermostat and can override temperature settings during events. 

Adopted by thousands of electric cooperative members across the state, Connect to Save supports grid resilience and sustainability, while also reducing wholesale power costs. Because cooperatives are not-for-profit utilities owned by the communities they serve, members benefit from these savings. 

To qualify for the program, you must meet these program requirements:  

• Be a member of a participating electric cooperative 
• Use electricity to heat and cool your home  
• Have an eligible model of smart thermostat that is currently connected to a reliable Wi-Fi network 

Check to see if you have an eligible smart thermostat. 

You will receive $50 when you successfully enroll your device(s) and an additional $35 per thermostat each year you participate, up to $70 per year.

Rewards are earned when: 

• An eligible thermostat is successfully enrolled ($50 per thermostat, not to exceed $100) 
• On the anniversary of your participation in the program ($35 per thermostat, not to exceed $70) 

All rewards for participating in Connect to Save are awarded with digital gift cards. When you’ve earned a reward, you will receive an email notification with instructions on how to redeem.

Connect My Thermostat, through the Connect to Save program, will not impact the function of your thermostat. Any issues related to your thermostat should be resolved by contacting the device manufacturer or your preferred HVAC service provider. 

By participating in this program, you are not guaranteed to see a change in your average monthly electric bill, but you are guaranteed an annual reward for your successful participation. 

When energy demand is high, energy providers may need to use less efficient power resources to meet power needs. By participating in Connect to Save, you help reduce electric demand during peak times and prevent the use of older, less efficient power plants. Connect to Save is a simple, easy way each of us can come together to create a more reliable and sustainable energy future. 

Yes! To enroll in the Connect to Save program, call us at 844-577-SAVE (7283) or send an email to service@connecttosavenc.com. 

If you move into a new home within a participating cooperative territory, you will need to re-enroll in the program.  

On certain days when demand on the grid is high, Connect to Save will make automatic changes to the setpoint of your enrolled thermostat(s).  

When an event is called, the setpoint on your enrolled thermostat(s) is automatically adjusted by 3 degrees – warmer in the summer, cooler in the winter. Events last 2-4 hours.  

• Events last for 2-4 hours, typically 3-4 times a month.  
• Events usually occur between 6 and 9 am in the winter, 4 and 8 pm in the summer.  
• You are likely to experience more events when outside temperatures are more extreme. This creates the greatest positive change in your community’s energy use. 
• You always have control of your thermostat.
• Maximum of 48 events per year, minimum of 1 event per month. Events occur no more than 3 days in a row. 

You will be notified of an event on the thermostat ’s screen and in your thermostat’s mobile app. You will also receive an email and text notification, if your information is file. If you need to update your account information, call us at 844-577-SAVE (7283) or send an email to service@connecttosavenc.com.  

You always have control of your thermostat. If you wish to opt out of an event, simply change the temperature on your thermostat at any time.

As of January 30, 2025, members can no longer purchase a smart thermostat through Connect to Save. Going forward, qualifying members can connect their own eligible smart thermostat.  

Yes, events will be called as they have in the past. See “What are events?” above for more information. 

Members will continue to receive $35 per thermostat (up to $70) on the anniversary of their thermostat installation date for 7 years after their initial installation.   

Please call 844-577-SAVE (7283) before replacing your Connect to Save thermostat. 

Email, phone and technician support for your smart thermostat(s) will be available through February 2028. For assistance, contact us.