Optiwatt Whole Home Optimization Pilot FAQs + Program Basics

What is the Optiwatt Whole Home Optimization Pilot?

• This is a pilot program designed to test whether smart thermostat optimization can help members reduce peak demand and better manage bills under the three-part demand rate. The program uses automated thermostat adjustments to shift heating and cooling away from high-cost peak periods while maintaining comfort.

What are the objectives of the pilot?

• The pilot is intended to evaluate member adoption, peak demand impacts, bill savings potential, and operational feasibility before considering any broader rollout. It is a learning-focused effort designed to inform future demand-side and DER (distributed energy resources) programs.

Who is involved in the pilot?

• Central Electric Power Cooperative is sponsoring and coordinating the pilot. Optiwatt provides the technology platform and customer experience. Resource Innovations supports measurement, verification, and analysis. Members may participate in later phases if the pilot expands.

Eligibility and Participation

Who can participate in the pilot?

• The pilot will begin with co-op employees who are a member of their co-op. If expanded, eligible residential members within participating cooperative territories may be invited to enroll. Participants must have a compatible smart thermostat.

Which thermostats are eligible/compatible?

• Eligible devices include Nest, ecobee, and Honeywell smart thermostats that can connect to the Optiwatt platform.

How do participants enroll?

• Participants enroll through the Optiwatt mobile app or web platform. During enrollment, participants connect their thermostat, select their cooperative and rate plan, and set comfort preferences.
• Once you sign up, a designated staff member will review your request and approve your participation in the pilot program.

Is participation mandatory?

• No. Participation is completely voluntary and opt-in. Participants may opt out of the program at any time.

How the Program Works

How does thermostat optimization work?

• Optiwatt automatically adjusts thermostat setpoints on a daily basis to reduce heating or cooling during high-cost peak hours. The system uses weather forecasts, rate structures, and customer comfort settings to determine optimal adjustments.

What are the peak periods the pilot focuses on?

• During the summer, optimization focuses on shifting cooling load outside of 3–6 p.m. During the winter, optimization focuses on shifting electric heating load outside of 6–9 a.m.

Will participants notice changes to their comfort?

• The program is designed to maintain comfort by using gradual adjustments and pre-cooling or pre-heating strategies. Participants can override thermostat settings at any time in the Optiwatt app.

Incentives and Costs

Are there financial incentives for participating members?

• No cash incentives are offered as part of this pilot. The potential benefit for participants is reduced electricity bills through lower peak demand and more efficient energy use.

Does participation cost anything?

• No. There is no cost to enroll or participate in the pilot, and no new equipment is required beyond an existing compatible smart thermostat.

Data, Privacy, and Control

What data is collected during the pilot?

• Data collected includes thermostat runtime, temperature settings, estimated energy usage, participation metrics, and opt-out behavior. This data is used for program operation and evaluation purposes.

Who has access to participant data?

• Optiwatt, Central, and Resource Innovations will have access to pilot data for program operation, analysis, and reporting. Data will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy and data protection requirements.

Can participants opt out or override optimization?

• Yes. Participants can override thermostat adjustments at any time through the Optiwatt platform, your
  OEM app, or by adjusting the temperature on the physiucal thermostat. You can can also fully opt out
  of the program through the Optiwatt platform.

Member Cooperative Considerations

What is expected of member cooperatives during the employee pilot?

• Member cooperatives should help recruit participants during the employee-only phase. This includes providing a list of relevant employees and distributing emails. After enrollment, Central will manage pilot execution and evaluation.

What would participation look like if the pilot expands to members?

• If expanded, cooperatives may support light-touch outreach, education, and coordination. Roles and expectations will be defined collaboratively based on cooperative capacity and interest.

How does this pilot fit with existing demand response or load control programs?

• This pilot complements existing programs by testing a daily, automated optimization approach rather than event-based dispatch. Results will help determine how this type of program could fit within broader DSM (demand side management) and DER (distributed energy resources) portfolios.

Timeline and Next Steps

When will the pilot take place?

• The employee pilot will run during summer 2026, followed by analysis in fall 2026. A decision on potential expansion to members will be made based on results. If expanded, the pilot would continue through summer 2027.

What happens after the pilot ends?

• Central and participating cooperatives will review pilot results and determine whether to pursue a broader program, make design changes, or conclude the effort based on findings.
• A survey will be sent to all participants at the end of the pilot period for members to give their feedback.