MONCKS CORNER, S.C. — Customers of Santee Cooper now have a new way to earn money off their power bills by allowing their smart thermostats to help reduce electricity demand during extreme weather.
The state-owned utility announced a new program called Santee Cooper Rewards, which offers bill credits to customers who enroll their smart thermostats in a demand-response initiative designed to ease pressure on the power grid.
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Customers who sign up receive a $75 bill credit for enrolling their smart thermostat and $50 annually for continued participation.
The program works by automatically adjusting enrolled thermostats during times when electricity demand is especially high — such as during heat waves or cold snaps — when energy usage across the region spikes.
According to the utility, customers will receive advance notifications before these peak demand periods. In the hours leading up to an event, thermostats may briefly pre-heat or pre-cool homes, helping maintain comfort while reducing the need for additional power generation during peak times.
“On extremely cold or hot days, electricity demand spikes which strains the grid and drives up the prices we pay for additional power to meet customer needs,” said Marty Watson, senior director of commercial and customer service for Santee Cooper.
Watson said the program is designed to lower strain on the system while helping customers keep their homes comfortable.
“As a member of our Santee Cooper Rewards community, you’ll help us avoid high demands that stress our grid, our budget and your monthly bill,” Watson said.
During peak demand events, participating homes should remain within a few degrees of their normal thermostat settings, the utility said.
Participation in the program is voluntary, and customers can opt out at any time.
For customers who do not already have a smart thermostat, Santee Cooper said they can purchase one through the Santee Cooper Marketplace, where eligible devices come with instant rebates and manufacturer discounts. The utility said it does not receive proceeds from those sales.
Customers can learn more about eligibility requirements and enroll in the program by visiting santeecooperrewards.com.
