Smart Grid Technology for Member-Owners

Roanoke Electric Cooperative is investing in the electric grid of tomorrow. This includes the addition of cost-effective technology from our substations all the way to the premises of our member-owners. The two devices discussed on this page are designed to save money for each member-owner.

hand touching smart thermostat on wall
The Ecobee smart thermostat, when installed, becomes a part of the Roanoke Smart Grid. Only electric central heat and/or air conditioning are eligible for this device.

ELECTRICITY COSTS. The most expensive electricity purchased by your Cooperative is the power purchased at those times when our need for electricity exceeds what we contracted to purchase at a point in time. Such demand forces us to purchase electricity on the spot market; this is an expensive transaction.

SMART GRID TO THE RESCUE. Using Smart Grid technologies, your Cooperative is able to reduce the frequency of these expensive purchases, which make their way onto the power bill of every member-owner. When demand is high, we are able to raise or lower the temperature in your home by a few degrees, and to lower the temperature of your water heater.

TEMPORARY SETTINGS. Studies have shown that member-owners do not notice the slight changes in their comfort or their hot water availability. When the heavy demand period has passed, we return the devices to their original settings. Member-owners have the ability to override the settings so comfort is never compromised.

TRIPLE SAVINGS! The Triple Savings program for Roanoke member-owners is a game-changing approach to high power costs. When a member-owner signs up for Triple Savings, your Cooperative:

energy intelligence from Carina Technology
The Carina Technology water heater controller is another component of the Roanoke Smart Grid. Only electric water heaters are eligible for the device.
  1. Installs broadband access at your home or business and activates internet service. There is no charge for the equipment or the installation.*
  2. Installs up to two thermostats, if your location qualifies, at your home or business. There is no charge for the thermostat equipment or the installation.
  3. Installs the water heater controller, if your location qualifies, at your home or business. There is no charge for the water heater controller equipment or the installation.

VALUE. The total value of the equipment and services installed exceeds $950. More importantly, each member-owner is helping to hold down the ever-increasing costs of power, which is a benefit to them and to all of our member-owners.

* Network access is being installed across the Service territory. Roanoke Connect is unable to guarantee all member-owners will have access to the network. In some instances, the ability to access the network may be compromised by terrain or other issues. In these cases, Roanoke Connect may require investment (or contribution) from the member-owner in order to provide network access.