Have you heard the buzz about the ecobee?

The ecobee is a “smart” thermostat that allows you to:
• Control your thermostat from your smartphone or computer
• Understand your energy consumption in real time.
• Improve the efficiency of your home.

A programmable thermostat, its design is sleek and modern. It functions intuitively and all on a touch screen, like your smartphone or tablet.

By enrolling in our smart thermostat program, you'll receive a FREE ecobee3 Lite or you can purchase an Ecobee 4 with Alexa from the co-op for $80. Submit our order form to get started, or enroll your existing thermostat today! 

Why is Tideland EMC offering members a free ecobee3 Lite with any new heat pump installation and a $50 rebate on Nest thermostats?

There are two reasons:

First, we are committed to helping you find ways to save energy and money, and we think this thermostat will do both of those things. Energystar.gov estimates that homes with programmable thermostats can save up to $180/year in heating and cooling costs, but the thermostats have to be programmed correctly. The technology behind the smart ecobee thermostat makes programming and controlling your thermostat easy and, well… kind of fun!

Second, after installation and registration is complete, your smart thermostat will receive signals from Tideland EMC's power supplier during times when electric demand is greatest and therefore most expensive. In the summer, this usually happens a few times a month in the late afternoon when temperatures and humidity are high. In winter, this usually happens in the early morning hours between the hours of 6 am and 9 am.

Our signals, which will be accompanied by a message to your thermostat and an e-mail, will raise in the summer and lower in the winter the temperature of your thermostat by a few degrees, but never to a level that is uncomfortable. And you always have the option to override the signal and continue operating your ecobee at your desired temperature.

By lowering energy use throughout our system during times of peak demand, we are able to lower power costs. Because electric cooperatives are not-for-profit, those savings are passed on to you.

How much do the thermostats cost?

For members installing a brand new heat pump there is no cost for the ecobee3 Lite ($169 retail value). If you want to upgrade to an Ecobee 4 with Alexa, the cost is $80 for the device ($249 retail value). You or your HVAC technician will need to install the smart thermostat. You will receive a $2 per month participation credit on your electric bill as long as the thermostat remains connected to WiFi. If you already own an Ecobee thermostat we will rebate your electric bill with a $50 credit once installation and registration is confirmed.

Who is eligible?

If you are a cooperative member in good standing with WiFi connectivity in your home and are installing a new heat pump you are eligible to receive a free ecobee3 Lite. You can also upgrade to an Ecobee 4 with Alexa for an $80 charge. By accepting the thermostat from the co-op, you agree to participate in the program a minimum of three years.

Why would I want to participate?

This program is designed to help members become more energy aware. It will help members lower their power bills by using energy more efficiently and by reducing the energy consumed during peak times when wholesale power costs are highest.

Still have more questions?

Call Heidi Smith at 1.800.637.1079 and we’ll be glad to answer your questions.