Smart Grid Test Bed Collaboration for Business

During hot summer and cold winter days, we all use more electricity. To help keep power reliable, affordable, and sustainable, your business can enroll in PGE’s Energy Partner Smart Thermostat program. We'll install your smart thermostat to help your business use less energy and earn ongoing rewards.

How does it work?

When energy demand is highest, such as a really hot day or cold morning, PGE will announce a Peak Time Event. When the event starts, your thermostat will automatically adjust by just a few degrees, and it’ll return to its original setting once the event is over. You probably won’t even notice a difference, but it can make a big difference to your bottom line. If you don't override more than 50% of a season's event hours, we'll pay you $60 per season. And just like that, you're generating even more money for your business.

Plus, smart thermostats give you more control of your energy use, helping you save energy and money year-round.

To qualify for the Energy Partner Smart Thermostat program, you'll need a ducted electric heating or air conditioning system and have consistent internet connectivity.

  • Receive an average of $60 offset incentive per site.

  • Sign up for PGE’s flexible load program to receive $50 per month per site participation incentive

  • Contact a PGE Energy Expert to schedule an energy review of your business.

Energy improvements, incentives and requirements

SGTBC Incentive:

$400 per ton

Requirements:

  • May replace any existing heating equipment (other than electric resistance) that is near the end of its useful life (typically 15 years or older) or non-functional. Existing equipment may use any fuel (including but not limited to natural gas, electric, propane, biomass)

  • Eligible spaces include office, retail, and restaurants; total conditioned space must be less than 10,000 square feet.

  • Conditioned space served may be part of a larger building, but the space served must also be enclosed and not open to other conditioned spaces.

  • Ductless heat pump must be installed with no auxiliary or back-up heating.

  • Product efficiencies for equipment manufactured prior to 1/1/2023: AHRI rated with SEER of at least 20 and HSPF greater than 10.

  • Product efficiencies for equipment manufactured after 1/1/2023: AHRI rated with SEER2 of at least 20 and HSPF2 greater than 9.5

SGTBC Incentive:

$275 per ton

Requirements:

Existing system must have a nominal cooling capacity > 5 tons and must have a single speed supply fan or motor. Existing systems equipped with a variable frequency drive (VFD) are not eligible. Installed equipment must have a VFD and controller for variable speed fan operation. Installed equipment controls must be on BPA qualifying product list 

SGTBC Incentive:

$599 per thermostat($486.50 per thermostat if non-grocery site with heat pump heating and cooling)

Requirements:

  • Thermostats must control a single-zone HVAC system with dedicated supply fan.

  • Lodging sites, spaces with 24/7 operation, and semi-conditioned spaces are not eligible.

  • Multiple HVAC systems serving a large open space (retail, grocery, etc.) are eligible if each system has a dedicated controlling thermostat.

  • If a site has existing heating systems with demand-controlled ventilation or advanced rooftop controls, thermostat installers must not disable these systems.

  • A list of qualifying thermostats can be found here. Other thermostats may qualify, check with the program for additional requirements.

  • Installation requirements:

  • If two or more HVAC systems serve the same open space, temperature setpoints, schedules and dead bands must match

  • Temperature setback in heating mode must be at least 10°F below the occupied heating setpoint.

  • Temperature setback in cooling mode must be at least 5°F above the occupied cooling setpoint.

  • Fan schedule set to ‘auto’ mode during unoccupied hours

  • Manual setpoint override must be limited to two hours or less.

  • Heat pump with backup resistance heat must enable lock-out with appropriate temperature set-points

SGTBC Incentive:

$1.28 per square foot

Requirements:

Insulate to at least R-25 efficiency rating or fill cavity. Must be installed in areas of the building envelope that separate conditioned space and unconditioned space. Insulation installed between conditioned spaces is ineligible. Damaged or missing insulation must be prequalified and documented by the installation contractor.

SGTBC Incentive:

$1.61 per square foot

Requirements:

Insulate to at least R-20 efficiency rating or fill cavity. Must be installed in areas of the building envelope that separate conditioned space and unconditioned space. Insulation installed between conditioned spaces is ineligible. Damaged or missing insulation must be prequalified and documented by the installation contractor.

SGTBC Incentive:

$2.85 per square foot

Requirements:

Insulate to at least R-30 efficiency rating or fill cavity. Must be installed in areas of the building envelope that separate conditioned space and unconditioned space. Insulation installed between conditioned spaces is ineligible. Existing insulation is R-5 or less.

SGTBC Incentive:

Varies by project

Requirements:

Must be installed by an Energy Trust solar trade ally. Get a free analysis and bid to learn additional requirements.

Questions? Contact PGE.