Four Eastern N.C. Electric Cooperatives Debut Innovative Energy and Grid Management Program

Four eastern and coastal North Carolina electric cooperatives recently debuted a new program called Connect to Save, which uses smart home technology to reduce peak energy use and provide a higher level of service to electric cooperative consumer-members.

Through this program, members of Carteret-Craven Electric Cooperative, Jones-Onslow EMC, Lumbee River EMC and South River EMC can purchase a Google Nest or ecobee smart thermostat at a deeply discounted price. After installation, the local electric cooperative can slightly adjust thermostat settings during times of high power demand, which helps lower energy costs for the entire cooperative membership. In addition to receiving a new, WiFi-enabled thermostat at a discounted price, participating cooperative members can earn an annual incentive for their efforts to help keep costs down for everyone. 

The advanced grid management capabilities gained through programs like Connect to Save is one part of a larger effort by cooperatives to create a Brighter Future for people and communities across North Carolina. This commitment also includes recently announced sustainability goals that target a 50 percent drop in carbon emissions from 2005 levels by 2030 and net zero carbon emissions by 2050, as well as ongoing investments in education, economic development and community enrichment that improve quality of life and help bridge the urban/rural divide.

Connect to Save | https://www.connecttosavenc.com/