AC Rewards FAQs

Why does Xcel Energy have AC REWARDS?

Hot summer days mean more air conditioning, which pushes electricity demand to a peak. As an AC REWARDS participant, you can help Xcel Energy manage these peaks by cutting back just a little on the time your central air conditioner cools your home. This eases the strain on the electrical grid when we need it the most. Your effort to conserve energy helps Xcel Energy keep rates low, provide reliable electricity, and reduce the need for additional power plants, which helps preserve the environment! 

What is AC REWARDS

A smart thermostat allows you to control the temperature in your home from anywhere at any time. The program uses ecobee and Honeywell smart thermostats, which provide you access to a smarter thermostat, a mobile app to remotely control your thermostat and a web portal where you can see more detailed data on HVAC system energy usage and run times. 

In addition to the benefits the customers see, the smart thermostat also gives Xcel Energy the ability to remotely offset customers' thermostat cooling temperature setting (typically by 1 - 4 degrees Fahrenheit) on the hottest days of summer. The furnace fan is not controlled and can continuously run, which should help keep customers cool and comfortable. 

When does Xcel Energy control the thermostats?

These control events which typically run from the afternoon to early evening on control days, and control season is normally between June 1 and August 31. 

When will participants receive their incentives?

Program participants will receive annual participation incentives in October.