For those looking to make smarter energy choices, OPPD offers its Cool Smart program.
Jodi Baker, Media Specialist for OPPD, says the program currently has 40,000 customers actively enrolled who are getting paid to be part of it.
She says customers receive a $30 bill credit for signing up and another $20 for the first year and every year of participation after that.
Baker says when a customer signs up for Cool Smart, OPPD attaches a free outdoor device to their home on the brick or siding nearest to their air conditioning unit.
"During peak usage times, it will turn the air conditioner on and off in 15 minute intervals over a 2 ½ hour period, somewhere between the hours of 3:00 and 7:00 p.m. So in the heat of summer, when people’s air conditioners are working their hardest, this is going to help take some of that usage off the grid, some of that load off the system. And it’s really going to help manage this energy better.”
Baker says OPPD conducted surveys with customers currently enrolled in the program. And she says most don’t even notice when the air conditioning management events are happening.
Baker says it’s a win-win because it helps the district in its efforts and helps customers’ bottom line.
For more information, the website is oppd.com/CoolSmart.