JCAB Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 I wasn't sure where to post this...Austin Energy is offering an $85 rebate if you install an approved wireless thermostat (ecobee and nest are on the list) and you allow them to turn off your a/c during peak periods for a short amount of time (which can be overridden). I just had an ecobee installed and, like the nest, you can monitor the temperature remotely, have it send you notices if the temperature gets below or above whatever number you choose, etc. I thought this was an alternative/additional safety measure to an apex/reefkeeper. I know it only helps with the heat issue, but thought I'd throw it out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestep Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 Do they have that posted anywhere? We've been wanting to get a new one for a while. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
esacjack Posted September 26, 2013 Share Posted September 26, 2013 be warned, on several occasions, austin energy left us without AC for an entire 24 hours. I had to take the thermostat off, and replace it with my own. I wont be doing it again... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FarmerTy Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 Yeah, I will be removing my Austin Energy thermostat as soon as feasible. They have turned it off during every large get-together I have had at my house. Maybe its just me, but those weren't always "peak" hours. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JCAB Posted September 27, 2013 Author Share Posted September 27, 2013 Here's the link. I'll try to get more info and see how we can get out of it if a nightmare situation like those above occurs. https://www.austinenergy.com/energy%20efficiency/programs/Power%20Partner/index.htm Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckyuv Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 If it's not a rolling blackout when it's 109 outside its Austin energy turning your ac off or up super high lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mFrame Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 My parents signed up for this in Dallas and absolutely hate it. I'm all for conserving, but the inconvenience of not controlling your own power is not worth the $85. I have two Filtrete wireless thermostats (upstairs, downstairs). They're programmable, and more importantly are wirelessly accessible via browser or native iphone and android apps. Next to keypad deadbolts they're the best add-ons I've put in the house, and ran less than $100 each. The setup is a bit of a pain if you're not a techie but once they're up and running they're awesome. No monthly fees for accessibility, and with my custom program I save more than I would allowing the power company to control them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jestep Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 I think I'm leaning towards just a better programmable one. Will check out those filtrete ones. I didn't quite realize the Austin Energy one wasn't a normal one. I pretty much have a complete disdain for Austin Energy and giving them any control over my electricity is a non starter. They shut our power off that summer it was really hot (wrong house), and almost killed our dog and did kill an entire discus tank. Of course "they aren't liable for damage or pet deaths" caused when they shut someone's power off, deliberate or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
(Bio)³ Posted September 27, 2013 Share Posted September 27, 2013 I've got a prolifux thermostat for the house and one for the beach house. Both work wonderful although a pain to set up Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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