Smart Thermostats Will Soon Come to the Rescue During Heatwaves

In the near future, the Chicago-area electricity grid will meet demand during a heatwave by remotely turning up thermostats by a degree or two in households that choose to participate.

First covered Jul 2, 2026 · 6:00 AM PT · 2 articles · no longer in the live window

Coverage

45d Yale Climate Connections People are getting financial incentives to use less electricity during heat waves — Smart thermostats and connected devices are helping some utilities reduce strain on the grid. The post People are getting financial incentives to use less…

46d Inside Climate News Smart Thermostats Will Soon Come to the Rescue During Heatwaves — In the near future, the Chicago-area electricity grid will meet demand during a heatwave by remotely turning up thermostats by a degree or two in households…

Primary sources

aceee.org 20240722163059859 6A161E7C 2877 4E45 B909 9E36559F584E (aceee.org)

energystar.gov Product Finder — ENERGY STAR Certified Smart Thermostats

icc.illinois.gov 673864 (icc.illinois.gov)

Related coverage

46d Yale Climate Connections Initiative in North Carolina and Georgia helps residents lower their electricity bills

More coverage from around the web

npr.org Arizona utilities offering payments for thermostat control when power grid strained : NPR

aepohiowire.com How Demand Response Helps Protect the Grid During Extreme Temperatures - AEP Ohio Wire

sustainability.google One click away: your home’s thermostat can save energy and the grid - Google Sustainability

chooseenergy.com Can Texas energy providers adjust smart thermostats? | Choose Energy

canarymedia.com Smart thermostats are helping Arizona's grid ride out… | Canary Media

Discussion

Bluesky: @dangearino.bsky.social Dan Gearino · 46d ago · 5 ♥ Smart thermostats will soon come to the rescue during heatwaves, and an Illinois program shows how it works. (I should specify that the thing being rescued is THE GRID, which, by extension, is good for everyone who relies on the grid.) insideclimatenews.org/news/0207202...

Appeared in: 2026-07-03 (#7) · 2026-07-04 (#10)

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