People in Colorado signed up for the smart thermostats.

[The Jungle 1]

They signed the contract and got the money. Now they are pissed because the utility is controlling their thermostat.
Wait am I missing anything here.

[CentralMass]

1. I suspect that they didn't understand that the utility company would be controlling them.

It is one thing to have a smart thermostat and use it to reduce energy use and save money voluntarily and another having your utility take control over it.

[jimfields33]

4. One problem with everyone is not reading the contract you sign

Ignorance shouldn’t be allowed as excuse.

[CentralMass]

8. I'm not defending them, just stating the obvious.

Personally I would never get into a contract like that. I have a very small energy footprint out here in Oregon snyway . I didn't use AC once thus summer (I didn't need too). I also use my electric heat very little in the winter and have LED light bulbs.
I signed up for a program where if you voluntarily cut your electrical usage during peak demand times ( heat waves or coold snaps) you get a discount. I really don't have much left to cut so I would get emails that I didn't get any savings. This last bill I got a 6 cents rebate and that was probably because I was away on vacation for two weeks

[jimfields33]

2. Personal responsibility for own decisions

is very old fashioned concept.

[lostnfound]

9. Greedy scoundrels who exploit the "suckers born every minute"

Is also an old-fashioned concept.

[jimfields33]

10. That also is true. Perfect response.

[patricia92243]

3. I had that in NC on my hot water tank-only. I was charged a cheaper rate.

Somebody else controlling my air/heat is not happening no matter what the price.

[hatrack]

5. Can't run muh AC at 62F during a grid-threatening heatwave!!! MUH FREEDUMB!!!!

[Autumn]

6. It was over 90 degrees outside when they were locked. Too fucking hot. They are usually able to

override the controls but this time Excel didn't allow them to.

[Mariana]

11. They locked it at what, 80 degrees? Something like that.

Do you really think that's excessively high? Especially since the people who are squawking chose to allow this.

[NickB79]

12. Yes, because of a grid-threatening heatwave

A few hours at 80F, or potentially hundreds of thousands without power for days from a collapsed power grid. Those were the choices present.

[Autumn]

13. I know people who have Excel, they pay a lot more than I do.

Last edited Mon Sep 5, 2022, 09:27 AM - Edit history (1)

Perhaps they should take some of that money they make and put it back into the grid to avoid those collapses.

https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/video/xcel-energy-asks-for-yet-another-rate-increase/#x

[LeftInTX]

7. People get mad here too

In Texas, the AC thermostats are their coolest in the morning and warmest during the afternoon. (less energy used during peak hours)

It isn't the most comfortable, but it conserves more energy. I don't have a smart thermostat, but I read complaints.