I've been looking at automating my house for some time. Last winter I had a home hacked linux solution with a relay board and some temp sensors. It worked but wasn't perfect but WiFi enabled thermostats aren't cheap.
I was looking at what incentives I can get for replacing stuff in my house from my local Electric/Gas company, Ameren and came across this. It lets them cut your AC during the summer at peak hours to reduce load. Looking at the form they'll only do it a maximum of 12 times between June 1 and Sept 30. Out of it you get a free programmable thermostat that you can also set from their website.
Website said: Get a FREE Internet-enabled thermostat and help control summer energy demands by installing an E-Smart™ Programmable Thermostat. The program uses a paging system to wirelessly "cycle" your central air conditioner, turning it off for short intervals during times of high overall demand for electricity in the summer season. Please note that cycling events only apply to the air conditioning unit during the summer season and do not affect your furnace.
Your state-of-the-art programmable thermostat conveniently lets you preset automatic temperature adjustments or change your thermostat settings from any Internet connection! This program is available to most Ameren Illinois Utilities electric customers.
I've been participating in the Power Smart Pricing program for over 6 months now and I've saved a ton of money. I signed up for this as soon as they emailed me about it. I'll update if I get approved/installed.
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