CHICAGO — Commonwealth Edison Co. (ComEd) announced that it is partnering with Nest® Labs Inc. to offer up to $140 in rebates for customers who purchase a Nest Learning Thermostat™ and participate in its demand response program. Through May 31, ComEd customers will receive a $100 rebate from ComEd for signing up to participate in ComEd’s Smart Ideas®AC Cycling Pilot that features Nest’s Rush Hour Rewards™, and an additional $40 rebate for participating in the pilot all summer.

According to ComEd, a central air conditioning system can be one of the largest users of energy in a home. Demand response programs such as AC Cycling can use Nest’s Rush Hour Rewards service to help reduce electricity demand on the hottest days of the summer.

“ComEd is pleased to offer its customers a suite of demand response and energy efficiency programs that provides a variety of information, technical and financial resources to help them manage their energy budget; but it all rests on a simple commitment to deliver value to our customers,” said Val Jensen, senior vice president of customer operations, ComEd. “By partnering with Nest, ComEd customers will be able to take advantage of even more tools and features to better manage their energy usage and save money.”

With Nest Rush Hour Rewards, temperatures are automatically adjusted around rush hours, or peak energy times. Depending on what Nest has learned from the customer’s temperature preferences, it might raise the temperature by a few degrees during the afternoon and/or pre-cool a home before the rush hour begins to make sure the home is reasonably comfortable while using less energy during the these peak times. The customer is always in control. Customers can override the temperature by simply changing the setting and Nest will remember the adjusted temperatures.

With ComEd’s AC Cycling pilot, Nest will send a wireless signal to adjust the controls on a customer’s air conditioning unit, automatically helping them reduce electric demand during peak periods. AC Cycling will only occur from June 1 to Sept. 30 when needed, such as on the hottest days of the summer.

“ComEd and Nest have a shared vision of providing consumers with innovative new ways to manage their energy usage,” said Scott McGaraghan, head of energy products, Nest. “And now through our partnership, ComEd customers can take advantage of Rush Hour Rewards — available exclusively to Nest energy partners — to save energy and lower their bills.”

The rebates are available until May 31, 2014, or to the first 3,000 enrollments. Customers must purchase and install a Nest Learning Thermostat in their home to apply for the rebates. For more information and to apply for the rebate program, visit www.nest.com/ComEd.

Publication date: 4/28/2014

Want more HVAC industry news and information? Join The NEWS on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn today!