** Please note: SmartPower is currently only available to customers in the Birmingham area. The date that participation will be open to customers statewide has not yet been determined. **
Program Benefits
- Reduced rates save SmartPower customers an average of 11% on their power bills.
- Receive a FREE thermostat with FREE installation ($300 value).
- Save money by programming your thermostat according to different rate periods.
- SmartPower rates are lower than standard rates approximately 63% of the time during a year.
- Help reduce energy consumption during high-demand periods.
What is SmartPower?
It's simple really. SmartPower is an interactive energy management system that gives you the control to program your thermostat to automatically adjust to changes in the price charged for electricity. In other words, you can program your air-conditioner to run more at night and in the morning, when summer rates are as low as 3.0009 cents per kilowatt hour, and less between noon and 7 pm, when rates are higher. SmartPower customers will be able to pay for electricity at the reduced rate, saving an average of 11% on their power bills.
How to Start Saving
The first step is to sign up and get a FREE programmable thermostat with FREE installation ($300 value) from Alabama Power. Then, set your thermostat to automatically adjust itself according to different energy periods that occur throughout the weekday.
June through September
From June through September, there are up to four energy periods that may occur during a weekday: off-peak, intermediate, on-peak, and on the rare occasion, critical peak. Weekends are always off-peak, as are Independence Day and Labor Day.
October through May
From October through May, there are only off-peak periods (9 pm-7 am) and intermediate periods (7 am-9 pm). Weekends are always off-peak, as are New Year's Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Critical Peak Period
When electricity demand spikes, or the cost of generating power surges, a "critical peak period" may be necessary. These are unexpected and therefore we can't predict when one will be called, other than to say they will only occur during on-peak hours. But we will notify you immediately via e-mail should you so desire. During critical peak periods, the electricity rate increases, but our automated system offsets this temporary spike in price by adjusting your thermostat for you. It turns your air off for 21 minutes per half-hour, minimizing your usage. Although they're unpredictable, critical peak periods are rare. We guarantee that critical peak periods will only be called during on-peak hours (noon - 7 pm in June through September). And, there will be no more than five critical hours on any given day and no more than 120 critical hours a year. If you need more air-conditioning during a critical period, you may override the system anytime at the critical peak rate.
Thermostat Settings
Your thermostat will allow you to designate four daily time categories for which you can assign temperatures - morning, day, evening and night. You can set these to coincide with the varying energy price periods that occur throughout the weekday. You can also have a different schedule of categories for weekends.
Save More Than Just Money
Never before has energy efficiency been so important. And when the demands of summer put a strain on our power systems, relief is even more crucial. With SmartPower, you're helping reduce the need for more electricity generation. That doesn't just save you money; it can help the environment too.
For More Information
If you'd like more information about the SmartPower program, please call 1-800-357-4117 Monday through Friday 7a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. ** Please note: SmartPower is currently only available to customers in the Birmingham area. The date that participation will be open to customers statewide has not yet been determined. **
