What is an Energy Savings Event?

The hottest summer days create heavy demand on the energy grid. On these days of increased need, the energy system may become strained, and getting energy to everyone who needs it can become inefficient and expensive. The Smart Thermostat Program empowers our customers to voluntarily assist with keeping energy service reliable and affordable for the whole community by reducing energy use when demand is highest. 

On select hot summer, Consumers Energy may call an Energy Savings Event. Events will typically occur on weekdays between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. and will last no longer than four hours. There will be a maximum of 7 events in the summer. Energy Saving Events will not be scheduled during holidays or weekends.

The Smart Thermostat Program will cool your home in the hours leading up to the event when the demand for energy is lower. This allows you to stay comfortable through the Energy Savings Event while minimizing the need to run your A/C.

During the event, your A/C will run a little less than usual, but since we got your home to a comfortable temperature in advance, you shouldn’t notice much change. If the temperature drifts more than a few degrees from your original setting, your air conditioner will turn on to get you back to a comfortable temperature.