Texas REP Offering Free Smart Thermostat, $40 Bonus For Enrolling in New Demand Response Program

Xoom Energy has launched a demand response program for Texas customers called Usage Optimizer, and is offering a free smart thermostat plus a $40 bonus for enrolling in the program.

Offered in the CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric Service area, Xoom Energy is offering the Usage Optimizer demand response program as part of its ComfortLock 24-month fixed product.

Customers will be provided with a free Emerson Sensi Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat, and $40 if they remain with Xoom with thermostat connectivity through October 31, 2015, and complete a survey about the program

Under Usage Optimizer, Xoom will remotely control the customer's thermostat during certain demand response events determined by Xoom. The customer can override any changes Xoom makes to the thermostat settings without penalty.

The ComfortLock 24-month plan in the CenterPoint TDU service area has an average all-in rate of 11.3¢/kWh, at 1,000 kWh usage. This average price includes all commodity and delivery charges and monthly administrative charge of $11.99.

A $450 early termination fee applies.

Professional installation of the smart thermostat costs $155, which includes an HVAC inspection as part of the installation process. Customers may alternatively elect to install the smart thermostat themselves.

Xoom describes the product as a pilot program currently available in the CenterPoint TDU service area, but hopes that the pilot will yield valuable information that can be used to launch similar programs across the country as early as 2016.