Ecobee’s smart thermostat can automatically respond to a heat wave

Smart home company Ecobee today launched a new feature for its thermostats that will automatically adjust temperatures to save energy when there is a risk of a power outage. And unlike some utilities’ energy-saving programs, customers can always opt out of Ecobee.

Sudden spikes in electricity demand, often triggered by people turning on their air conditioning during a heat wave, can lead to power outages. One of the most effective tools utilities have to prevent outages are programs that ask customers to conserve energy during peak demand, for example, by turning off their thermostats.

Ecobee’s new product update offers something similar to residents in places that don’t have these programs or might not enroll in them. It is an update to Ecobee’s Eco Plus Community Energy Savings feature that will respond to emergency event alerts issued by network operators in North America.

With this update, customers will receive a notification on their Ecobee smart thermostat and Ecobee mobile app that a blackout is possible due to a lack of power in the area. The thermostat will adjust a small amount, between one and four degrees, for a maximum of four hours. The feature is designed for customers who have not signed up for a similar program with their dealership.

The idea is that many homes that take a small measure will result in a large impact on the grid, smoothing out peaks in demand and avoiding power cuts. It’s a tactic called demand response this should help power grids become more resilient to increasingly extreme weather conditions.

Ecobee allows customers to opt out at any time if they don’t want their thermostat to adjust. Customers enrolled in their utility company’s energy savings program don’t always have the same option. During severe power shortages, some utilities do not allow smart thermostats to replace their emergency controls. This has led to backlash in the past during events like a heat wave in 2022, when thousands of Colorado residents were left without access to their smart thermostats.

“Everyone has a role to play in conserving energy and ensuring grid stability,” said Kari Binley, senior manager of energy partnerships at Ecobee, in a statement. Press release. “This update helps communities control their energy savings and avoid potentially dangerous outages during periods of high demand.”