Connect To Save leverages Virtual Peaker's Shift distributed energy resource management system (DERMS) suite to manage residential electric demand through machine learning and real-time control of internet-enabled appliances. This voluntary management reduces demand for electricity while minimizing the impact on homeowners. Shift connects in-home smart devices to run real-time residential demand response programs that leverage distributed energy resources (DERs) to reduce cost and avoid peak times when energy is more expensive.
Collaborating with three of its member co-ops, Jackson County REMC (Brownstown, IN), South Central Indiana REMC (Martinsville, IN), and Southeastern Indiana REMC (Osgood, IN), Hoosier Energy is now in partnership with their participating members to remotely control residential smart thermostats and EV chargers.
Designed to shift power consumption to off-peak times of the day, the program is helping Hoosier Energy reduce demand while transitioning to cleaner and renewable energy sources. Devices used in the program include smart thermostats from Google Nest, ecobee, and Honeywell Home, plus EV chargers provided by Enel X and ChargePoint.
The first phase of the program launched in June and allows Hoosier Energy to use the data collected by Virtual Peaker to measure its effectiveness. Hoosier Energy plans to recruit more of its member distribution cooperatives to participate in Connect To Save.
"We look forward to working with Virtual Peaker to provide software and expertise to help our member co-ops reduce demand on the electric grid," said Ryan Henderson, Senior Manager of Emerging Energy Resources at Hoosier Energy. "We take seriously our role as trusted energy providers, and this is another area where Hoosier Energy and its members will benefit from strategic collaboration."
"The energy industry is constantly evolving, so Virtual Peaker is pleased to partner with Hoosier Energy to reduce demand on the electric grid while helping maintain member comfort at home," said Colin Lamb, Vice President, Client Success at Virtual Peaker.
"We look forward to introducing our software platform to Hoosier Energy's other member co-ops so that together, we can scale up the Connect To Save program and deliver more renewable energy solutions.
