PHOENIX (AP) — An Arizona utility is seeking 800 volunteers for a test this fall to see whether taking control of customers' air-conditioning thermostats and other conservation programs are cost effective.
Some Arizona Public Service customers will test devices that show their real-time electricity use so they can see when their appliances are costing the most to run and encourage conservation.
The Arizona Republic reports that other customers will let the utility to assume control of their thermostats through wireless technology in the new "smart meters" that the utility installed on homes.
The utility will be able to adjust thermostats and lighten the demand on the utility grid during summer afternoons.
That presumably will save money because the utility won't have to fire up additional power plants to meet peak afternoon demand.
