Toronto-based ecobee Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with Austin Energy to launch the Texas utility's 2013 Power Partner Thermostat Program pilot.
According to the companies, the pilot will aim to help reduce the impact of high electricity demand during the months of June through September by remotely managing customers' thermostats during peak usage periods. Participating customers will receive a rebate for $85 from Austin Energy within six weeks after enrolling in the program for every ecobee thermostat they have installed in their home.
"We feel that ecobee and its smart thermostat products are a good fit, as they'll not only help us reduce the demands on our own system, but they'll also give our customers a chance to save energy and be rewarded for their efforts," says Scott Jarman, Austin Energy’s interim director of energy efficiency services.
