SECO Smart Connect is a program that offers SECO Energy residential members Rewards for reducing energy usage through enrolled smart devices (i.e., smart thermostats, electric vehicle (EV) chargers, and battery backup systems) during periods of peak demand.

To be eligible to enroll, you must meet the following qualifications:

1. You must be at least 18 years of age;
2. You must have one or more devices that are compatible with and connected to the Vendor platform and compatible with the Program design;
3. You are the Member of record of the residential electric account at your service address;
4. Your device is located in a residence that is occupied by the account holder year-round;
5. You agree to participate in Adjustment Events as described in Program Period details;
6. Maintain an active account in good standing with SECO Energy on the Service, and a continuous connection between your enrolled devices and the Service;
7. Assist Sponsor Party’s support personnel in troubleshooting and resolving connectivity, firmware, and other device-related issues; and
8. Agree to the program Terms and Conditions.

Participants can earn an initial enrollment credit on their electric bill of $50 per home enrolled. Participants can earn a $10 credit on their electric bill for participating in the winter season (October 1 through March 31) and remain enrolled for the entire season. Participants can earn $20 credit on their electric bill for participating in the summer season (April 1 through September 30) and remain enrolled for the entire season. The Cooperative may terminate a Participant from the Program in the Cooperative's sole and reasonable discretion for any reason.

Participating members who qualify will receive bill credit Rewards within six (6) to eight (8) weeks after the season concludes.

Participants can earn $7 credit each month on their electric bill for participating in the program with no more than one (1) instance of charging outside of the Program Details. Participants agree to home charge eligible EVs using a level 2 charger during Super Off-Peak hours (12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. EST. The EV must be all-electric and owned or leased by the Participant. The Cooperative may terminate a Participant from the Program in the Cooperative's sole and reasonable discretion for any reason.

Participating members who qualify will receive a monthly bill credit. Please allow six (6) to eight (8) weeks for initial bill credit to appear.

Participants can earn $1/kW credit each month on their electric bill for participating in the program, based on their battery’s power output and with no more than one (1) opt-out per month. For example, a battery with a maximum continuous output of 5 kW can earn $5/month credit each month on their electric bill for participating in the program. Participants can also earn $0.30/kWh for energy participated in Adjustment Events, with no more than five (5) opt-outs within the Program Period. The Cooperative may terminate a Participant from the Program in the Cooperative's sole and reasonable discretion for any reason. For example, if a 5 kW, 3-hour battery can earn $4.50 for a 3-hour Adjustment Event (5 kW * 3 hours * $0.30/kWh = $4.50).

Participating members who qualify will receive a monthly bill credit. Please allow six (6) to eight (8) weeks for initial bill credit to appear.

Upon confirming eligibility, visit SECO Smart Connect enrollment Follow the instructions to complete the online enrollment form and select your device(s) to submit your application . Please note that you will have to login to your manufacturer's account to complete the application. Once the enrollment is completed, you will receive a confirmation email stating your application is being reviewed. Applications will be processed within seven (7) business days.

Yes. Your account is eligible for a bill credit for one (1) or more enrolled device types. All enrolled devices must be installed in SECO Energy’s service area.

Yes. SECO Energy will verify that your account and device(s) meet Program requirements.

By calling your device manufacturer’s customer service team:

	Phone: (877) 932-6233
	Phone: (855) 469-6378
	Phone: (855) 469-6378
	Phone: (888) 758-4389 or click here
	Phone: (844) 367-6742

Thermostats

EV Chargers

Batteries

Start by verifying the eligibility of your device by viewing SECO Energy’s Eligible Device List. Once eligibility is confirmed, email us at SmartConnect@virtual-peaker.com to confirm your new device is registered.

Send an email to SmartConnect@virtual-peaker.com requesting to end your participation in SECO Smart Connect. You may also reach out to your device manufacturer to unenroll from the program. Once you have been removed, your device(s) will no longer be adjusted, and you will not receive the participation Reward.

By registering your device with SECO Smart Connect, we can help you use less energy during peak demand:

You can opt out of a smart thermostat event by adjusting the temperature of your thermostat using your device, mobile, or web application. Battery backup systems are not able to opt out of an event once it begins. However, you can opt out your battery backup system and/or thermostat prior to an event using the opt out link that SECO Energy may send via email or text message. You can opt out of EV charging event by commanding your EV charger to begin charging.

While we understand there may be times when you feel the need to opt out, please review Program Rewards for opt out parameters. Too many opt outs diminishes the overall goal of reducing energy demand for cost savings.

You will be notified by SECO Energy prior to a peak time event via email or text message as to when we will control your device. During the event, your device and/or app may notify you when the peak time event becomes active.

Members will be notified by SECO Energy via email or text message a minimum of one (1) hour in advance of each event.

Depending on your device manufacturer, notifications may appear on your device or in your web/mobile application.

Typically, an event lasts between two (2) and three (3) hours; however, it could last between one (1) to four (4) hours.

No. Thermostat Program Rewards are based on a per-home basis. All thermostats in the home must be connected to Wi-Fi and enrolled in the Program to be eligible for Program Rewards.

When temperatures get very hot or very cold, your home’s heating and cooling usage will increase to compensate for the extreme temperatures. This creates an “energy rush hour” or “peak demand.” During times of peak demand, SECO Energy needs more power generation to meet the higher demand for electricity by HVAC units and other appliances and electronics throughout our service area. This, in turn, increases the cost of power production and SECO Energy’s wholesale power costs. Reducing energy use throughout our system during times of peak demand reduces SECO’s wholesale power costs and lessens the strain on the electric grid.

Yes, adjustments to your thermostat will not exceed three (3) to four (4) degrees.

No. Your temperature will be adjusted up to four (4) degrees based on what it was set to at the time of adjustment.

Yes. Once the event ends, your thermostat will automatically return to its normal programming.