Why should you choose demand response programs over Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT) programs?
Demand Response (DR) programs and Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT) programs both aim to manage energy use, but DR programs offer distinct advantages:
- More Flexibility in Device Control
DR programs allow you to participate with whatever devices you might have, not just thermostats. This allows you to manage energy usage better and earn money by changing the settings on your thermostat or scheduling devices like EV chargers to operate when electricity prices are lowest.
- More Flexibility in Your Moves
While BYOT programs focus solely on temperature settings, DR programs compensate based on the total amount of electricity saved in your entire household, offering more options to fit your lifestyle. For example, you can choose how much you want to pre-cool your home before peak demand periods, saving energy without sacrificing comfort.
- Increased Compensation Opportunities
DR programs reward participation, providing incentives with practically no upper limit. BYOT programs reward signing up, regardless of participation, generally much less than $100 in the first year and little to no incentive thereafter. ConEd’s BYOT program, for example, provides no incentive in the second year! DR participants can save energy through various actions like turning off unused lights and controlling their use of appliances, like washers, hair driers, EV chargers, etc., leading to greater financial rewards.
For instance, this year (2024), our top-performing customers who transitioned from the BYOT program to Meltek’s DR program have earned up to $117.18. In addition to this, those who made the switch in 2023 have earned as much as $177 so far in Meltek’s DR program, and these figures continue to rise.
- Faster Subsequent Payments
DR programs often provide quicker payments. Meltek's Quick Pay Connect (QPC) function can shorten payment processing time to as little as one day, unlike BYOT programs which may take several months to give users the subsequent payments. Click here to learn more about QPC.
For redeeming rewards, Meltek also offers you multiple options, for example gift cards, donations, directly to bank accounts etc.
- Broader Participation
Both residential and commercial customers can participate in DR programs, while BYOT programs are typically limited to residential customers.
While BYOT programs are effective for controlling thermostats, DR programs offer broader energy-saving opportunities and greater financial benefits. Click here to learn more about How do I cancel my enrollment with Con Edison's Bring Your Own Thermostat (BYOT) program?
And don't hesitate to reach out to us at help@meltek.com with any questions or concerns.