Smart Hours is a demand response program that offers cash rewards for customers who enroll smart devices. It works by making minor, automatic setting adjustments to reduce use when demand is highest.
Here’s why this program matters and how it benefits customers like you.
Why does Smart Hours exist?
Evolving energy needs
The more energy our community uses, the more energy we need to generate. Historically, we’ve relied on two main ways to meet increased demand. We’d either build new long-term generating facilities, or rely on less efficient backup power sources for temporary coverage. These options can be expensive and take years to implement.
Smart Hours offers a third option that’s faster, more cost effective and more efficient. By coordinating Wi-Fi connected devices, like smart thermostats, across thousands of homes, we can meet maximum energy demand with minor adjustments. When you enroll a connected device, you may see other brand-specific program names, like Nest Rush Hour Rewards.
Significant weather events
Energy use spikes on extremely hot or cold days. The hotter or colder it gets, the more energy it takes to maintain the same level of comfort. Fortunately, we can predict the hours when demand will be highest, and by precooling or preheating your home, we can keep your home comfortable and reduce strain on the grid during the peak.
Grid reliability
We provide safe, reliable power. In the unlikely event we’re unable to manage spikes in demand, it could result in outages – which are especially dangerous on extremely hot or cold days. We do everything in our control to prevent this. Smart Hours is a valuable tool to protect against potential outages. Together we ensure reliable energy for all and avoid turning to backup power sources that increase costs.
Does your participation make a difference?
Small adjustments have a big impact
If you raise your air conditioner’s temperature setting 1 degree, it can save up to 3% on your energy bill. Double that to 2 degrees – still well within a comfortable temperature range – multiply it by thousands of homes and the energy savings add up quickly. This is the power of Smart Hours, coordinating automatic adjustments across our community when we need it most.
Simple behavioral actions
Even without a Wi-Fi connected device, you can lower energy use with easy steps. You can wait to run appliances, turn off any unused lights and unplug electronics that aren't in use. When we get broad participation during extreme weather events, those small actions can be just what we need to get through the peak demand hours.
Better with you
The more people participate in Smart Hours, the better prepared we are for demand spikes. That’s why we offer end-of-season rewards for every customer who opts into the program and participates in events simply by allowing, not overriding, the automated adjustments. Your flexibility is a powerful tool for our community and grid.
Who can enroll in Smart Hours and how can you sign up today?
Eligibility
Smart Hours is available to eligible Alliant Energy electric customers in Iowa and Wisconsin who have a qualifying smart device. Eligible devices include smart thermostats, electric vehicles or chargers, and electric water heaters with an Aquanta controller.
How to enroll
It’s easy to enroll your qualifying device in Smart Hours online. If you don’t already have an eligible device, you can purchase one through the Marketplace and enroll at checkout, making it easy to get started and save.
Visit alliantenergy.com/smarthours to learn more and enroll today.