Increases in energy costs are not isolated at the gas pump.  Electricity costs are rising as well, thanks in part to higher natural gas prices and scalding hot temperatures across the nation.  As demand for energy rises, power companies switch on additional power plants which use natural gas rather than coal.

So it was no surprise yesterday when my flat black mail box not only looked hot, but heavy as well.  Reaching inside revealed an electric bill for $138 for last month.

Actually, the numbers were a bit better than I had expected, since the sky high temperatures throughout the Midwest have kept my air conditioner working overtime.  Hearing numbers from neighbors north of $250, I wondered why my bill would be so low.

It’s all in the thermostat.

My neighbors keep their thermostat set at a cool 72 degrees, while mine sits 10 degrees higher at 82.  At 10pm the temperature goes to 85 overnight.

In a marriage of technology and energy, my local electrical company is offering to install digital thermostats to those customers whose A/C unit is compatible in an effort to cut back during times of peak demand.  The neat part is that these digital units allow you to adjust the thermostat from anywhere via the internet.

Go on vacation and forget to adjust the temperature? Just login to your box.

The catch?  While the electric company is giving you this new thermostat for free (a $300 value), they are also retaining access to your thermostat.  On high demand days, the electric company can dial back your settings by a maximum of 4 degrees.  They will only do it on weekdays in the afternoon, and won’t touch the unit on holidays or during the evening.

You get to opt out of the program once each month.

So while it seems like a great way to help curtail energy demand during peak hours, you’re also giving big brother the password to your environmental control.

I think I’ll pass for now, and go take cold shower.

Leave comments below. Subscribe to Comments