Power Partner℠ Thermostat FAQs

The voluntary Power Partner program helps the community manage energy use during periods of peak energy demand. During these periods, enrolled Power Partner thermostats are adjusted by a few degrees, reducing both electricity costs and strain on the grid.

Power Partner applicants receive a $50 bill credit for each eligible thermostat plus $25 annually for each thermostat that remains enrolled. Incentives may change during seasonal promotions. (Austin Energy also offers a separate $30 rebate for buying and installing a new eligible smart thermostat.)

Power Partner events typically occur June 1–September 30 and last two hours between 3:00–6:00 p.m. During extreme weather circumstances, Austin Energy may conduct events outside of these windows. Participants may easily opt out of events without penalty through their thermostat or thermostat app.

Residential customers (both homeowners and renters) and small businesses with active Austin Energy accounts can enroll in Power Partner with an eligible smart thermostat.

Enroll in Power Partner

Commercial customers can participate in Austin Energy's Commercial Demand Response program.

You can participate in the Power Partner program if you have one or more eligible smart thermostats. You must also be an Austin Energy customer with a unique account number. Co-op and master-metered accounts are not eligible at this time.

Other requirements include:

• Existing equipment must be connected and operational.
• You must have a standard air conditioning system (split system, package unit, or heat pump).
• The heater component may be gas or electric.
• Your air conditioning equipment must be in good mechanical condition and controlled by an approved, communicating thermostat device.
• Homeowners and renters are eligible to receive the Power Partner participation bill credit. Homeowners and renters may also receive the purchase and installation rebate if they purchased and installed the thermostat.
• Landlords are not eligible for Power Partner (but may be eligible for a separate $30 rebate for newly purchased and installed eligible devices).
• Applicants are limited to five (5) thermostats.

No, only occupants of a premises (with electric accounts in their names) are eligible.

Austin Energy will provide email confirmation of your status in the program, typically within four weeks of applying.

Yes! Please visit Power Partner EV for more information.

• The $50 enrollment incentive (for each eligible thermostat) will be issued in the form of an Austin Energy electric bill credit within 1-2 billing cycles after acceptance. Incentives may change during seasonal promotions.
• You will receive an additional $25 credit after one year of remaining in the program and every subsequent year for each device that stays enrolled in Power Partner.

When Austin Energy initiates a Power Partner event, your thermostat will be adjusted by up to 4 degrees. During the summer, Power Partner events are preceded by 30 minutes of pre-cooling of two degrees to help prolong your initial comfort level.

Most Power Partner events occur during the summer (June 1–Sept. 30). Austin Energy may conduct events outside of these windows, such as extreme winter weather circumstances.

Notifications will usually appear in two ways: (1) on the smart thermostat screen and/or (2) within the manufacturer’s smart thermostat app on a mobile device.

Note: Austin Energy does not send Power Partner event notifications, which are set by the thermostat manufacturer. Manufacturers may or may not provide notifications prior to a Power Partner event.

The Power Partner Thermostat program has partnered with a variety of common household thermostat brands. View a list of which models and brands are compatible (see the Eligibility tab).

Applicants are limited to five (5) thermostats. New members of the program can earn a $50 bill credit for each eligible thermostat.

You can override Power Partner events at any time by simply adjusting the temperature on your thermostat or thermostat app. You will not be penalized for opting out of an event.

Customers who wish to permanently end their participation in Power Partner events may submit a Power Partner Opt Out request. Doing so will disqualify you from earning an annual incentive.

View the terms and conditions for Power Partner on EnergyHub’s website.

Please email the Austin Energy Power Partner Program.