Smart Thermostats Gift Year-Round Savings

Searching for the perfect gift this holiday season? Southern California Edison has an idea - a smart thermostat.

"Smart thermostats are a great way to give the gift of energy savings," said Erica Keating, SCE's principal manager of Demand Response Products. "They offer our customers an easy and effective way to reduce their energy consumption and save on their electric bills, especially during peak demand times."

SCE's Demand Response Smart Energy Program allows customers to enroll their qualifying smart thermostats for a one-time $75 sign-up bonus, plus up to $40 annually for participating. To qualify, the smart thermostats must be connected to central air conditioning.

How it works: during an energy event, SCE will temporarily adjust the temperature setting on the thermostat up to four degrees higher to limit air-conditioning use.

By participating, customers can help reduce energy use and strain on the grid during high-demand periods and save on their electric bills, making it a win-win for both their wallets and the environment.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, smart thermostats that meet Energy Star criteria save users an average of 8% on utility bills.

Smart thermostats and other products that help with energy savings can be found on SCE's Marketplace.