Date last reviewed or modified: 02/01/2026
Power Partner℠ Thermostats
Enjoy Rewards and Help Keep Energy Affordable for Everyone
When you become a Power Partner, you join Austin-area businesses and non-profits that reduce their energy use when the demand for energy peaks.
Power Partners earn $75 upfront plus $30 annually for each eligible thermostat enrolled in the program.
Become a Power Partner
Power Partners help the community manage energy use on days when the demand is highest. During these peak times, Austin Energy briefly adjusts enrolled smart thermostats to use less energy.
As a Power Partner, you can:
- Earn rewards for each smart thermostat you enroll
- Help lower the cost of electricity in our community
- Enhance power grid reliability during times of peak energy demand
- Reduce your carbon footprint
Enjoy two ways to save:
Thinking of Buying a Smart Thermostat?
Austin Energy offers a $50 rebate for each new eligible, smart thermostat installed at your business. Read the Incentive tab for details. (You are also eligible for the $75 one-time and $30 annual bill credits if you enroll in Power Partner.)
Already Have a Smart Thermostat?
Get a $75 bill credit for each eligible thermostat enrolled in Power Partner, plus $30 annually for each thermostat that remains enrolled.
Customers will typically receive their annual incentives within one to two billing cycles of their enrollment anniversary date. For example, if you enrolled your thermostat in June, you would likely receive your annual $30 incentive between July and August of the following year.
Power Partner Events
Power Partner events occur on days of high community energy use or when there is an emergency. On these days, Austin Energy will initiate Power Partner events that briefly adjust your thermostat settings by up to 4 degrees. These remote adjustments help manage energy use throughout the community.
Most Power Partner events will:
- Typically occur for two hours between 3 and 6 p.m. during the summer (June 1 through Sept. 30). Austin Energy may conduct events outside of these windows, between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., and for longer durations, including but not limited to winter and year-round extreme weather circumstances. Austin Energy may also periodically conduct tests throughout the year in which thermostat temperature is adjusted a few degrees. Test events usually last no longer than one hour. Like typical energy conservations events, customers can easily opt out of these as well using their device or app.
- Adjust your thermostat by up to 4 degrees, which may include pre-cooling or pre-heating prior to an event to help prolong your initial comfort level. Pre-cooling and pre-heating adjust your existing thermostat setting by 2 degrees, up to 30 minutes beforehand.
- Occur on non-holiday weekdays. During extreme weather circumstances, Austin Energy may conduct events on holidays and weekends.
- Occur no more than three times per week and no more than 25 times during the year. During extreme weather circumstances, Austin Energy may conduct events up to five times per week.
You can override Power Partner events at any time by simply adjusting the temperature on your thermostat or thermostat app. Customers who wish to permanently end their participation in Power Partner events may submit a Power Partner Opt Out request.
Austin Energy does not send Power Partner event notifications, which are set by the thermostat manufacturer. Manufacturers may or may not provide notifications prior to a Power Partner event. Notifications will usually appear in two ways: 1) on the smart thermostat screen or 2) within the manufacturer’s smart thermostat app on a mobile device, instead of as a text message or email.
Note: We do not recommend participating in this offering if someone in your facility is experiencing serious health problems.
Learn more about Power Partner Thermostats in our FAQs section below.
Eligibility and Enrollment
To enroll as a Power Partner and qualify for bill credits, find your eligible thermostat manufacturer and model in the Eligibility tab and click the How to Enroll link. You may also be eligible for a separate $50 rebate on a smart thermostat when you apply within 90 days of purchase.
Financing Available
Affordable, short- and long-term loans are available to help eligible businesses and non-profits invest in energy-saving upgrades. Learn more about financing options.
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Incentive
Austin Energy will provide:
- A $75 bill credit for each eligible thermostat you enroll in Power Partner (see Eligibility section for more details). The credit will appear as an “Adjustment” line item within 1-2 billing cycles after approval.
- An additional $30 annual bill credit for each eligible thermostat that remains enrolled in Power Partner.
- Customers will typically receive their annual incentives within one to two billing cycles of their enrollment anniversary date, subject to additional delays due to the volume of total program payouts in a given month. For example, if you enrolled your thermostat in June, you would likely receive your annual $30 incentive between July and August of the following year.
- A $50 rebate for Austin Energy customers who buy and install eligible thermostats. Thermostats are eligible for a rebate within 90 days of purchase. Apply online
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Eligibility
Requirements
- You must agree to a post-installation inspection by Austin Energy, if necessary.
- Existing equipment must be installed and operational.
- You agree to allow Austin Energy to schedule initial and final site visits, if applicable.
- You must provide invoices and equipment specifications, if requested by Austin Energy.
- All rights to environmental attributes and credits resulting from energy savings are assigned to Austin Energy. This includes renewable energy and carbon offset credits.
- Commercial customers must provide tonnage of standard air conditioning system.
- Air conditioning equipment must be in good mechanical condition and controlled by an approved, communicating thermostat device.
- You must use an Austin Energy-approved smart thermostat from the list below.
Eligible Thermostats
Vendor Thermostat Models How to Enroll Alarm.com† Trane ComfortLink Control; RCS Z-Wave Communicating Thermostat; GoControl Z-wave Thermostat; Alarm.com Smart Thermostat
Enroll with Alarm.com Amazon Smart Thermostat Enroll with Amazon ecobee ecobee, ecobee 3, ecobee 7, ecobee 3 lite, ecobee 4, ecobee 5, ecobee Smart Si, ecobee SmartThermostat with Voice Control, ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium, ecobee Smart Thermostat Enhanced, ecobee Smart Thermostat Essential Enroll with ecobee Emerson Sensi™ Wi-Fi Programmable Thermostat, Sensi Touch Wi-Fi Thermostat Enroll with Emerson Honeywell Home Wi-Fi Smart Color Thermostat, Wi-Fi 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, Wi-Fi 9000 7-Day Programmable Thermostat, 9000 Smart Thermostat, 7-Day Programmable Smart Thermostat, VisionPro 8000 Smart Thermostat, Round Smart Thermostat, T5+ Smart Thermostat, T6 Pro Smart Thermostat, T9 Smart Thermostat, T10 Smart Thermostat Enroll with Honeywell Home Lux Products LUX/GEO, LUX KONO Enroll with Lux Nest Nest Thermostat, Nest Learning Thermostat (3rd and 4th generation), Nest Thermostat E
Enroll with Nest †Select thermostats must be installed by a third-party installer as part of an alarm system package.
Some thermostat manufacturers may conduct their own energy savings programs. Refer to your thermostat manufacturer's website for details. -
How to Apply
Register your eligible device with the manufacturer (see Eligibility section for more details).
How to Receive Your Bill Credits
- Connect your thermostat to a Wi-Fi network or a networked hub in your home or business. Create your thermostat account with your thermostat manufacturer using your computer or smartphone.
- Click on the enrollment instructions for your specific device make and model, listed on the Description tab.
- Follow the instructions in the email you receive from the thermostat manufacturer to complete your application.
- If approved, you will receive confirmation by email from the thermostat manufacturer. If approved, you should receive your bill credit within 1-2 billing cycles of enrolling.
How to Apply for Your $50 Rebate
A separate $50 rebate is available to Austin Energy customers who buy and install an eligible smart thermostat. Thermostats are eligible for a rebate within 90 days of purchase. Apply online
Tips for Applying Online
- If you choose to submit the online rebate application, you will need to have all required information on hand before you start.
- You will need to complete and submit the application in a single session. You cannot save your information and start again later. Active sessions time out after one hour of inactivity.
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FAQsWhat is Austin Energy’s Power Partner Thermostat program?
The voluntary Power Partner program helps the community manage energy use during periods of peak energy demand. During these periods, enrolled Power Partner thermostats are adjusted by a few degrees, reducing both electricity costs and strain on the grid.
Power Partner applicants receive a $75 bill credit for each eligible thermostat plus $30 annually for each thermostat that remains enrolled. Incentives may change during seasonal promotions. (Austin Energy also offers a separate $50 rebate for buying and installing a new eligible smart thermostat.)
Power Partner events typically occur for two hours between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. during the summer (June 1 through Sept. 30). Austin Energy may conduct events outside of these windows, between 6:00 a.m. And 10:00 p.m., and for longer durations, including but not limited to winter and year-round extreme weather circumstances. Austin Energy may also periodically conduct tests throughout the year, usually lasting no longer than one hour. Like typical energy conservation events, customers can easily opt out of these using their device or app. Participants may easily opt out of events without penalty through their thermostat or thermostat app.
Who can join Power Partner?
Residential customers (both homeowners and renters) and small businesses with active Austin Energy accounts can enroll in Power Partner with an eligible smart thermostat.
Commercial customers can participate in Austin Energy's Commercial Demand Response program.
How do I know if I am eligible for the Power Partner program?
You can participate in the Power Partner program if you have one or more eligible smart thermostats. You must also be an Austin Energy customer with a unique account number. Co-op and master-metered accounts are not eligible at this time.
Other requirements include:- Existing equipment must be connected and operational.
- You must have a standard air conditioning system (split system, package unit, or heat pump).
- The heater component may be gas or electric.
- Your air conditioning equipment must be in good mechanical condition and controlled by an approved, communicating thermostat device.
- Homeowners and renters are eligible to receive the Power Partner participation bill credit. Homeowners and renters may also receive the purchase and installation rebate if they purchased and installed the thermostat.
- Landlords are not eligible for Power Partner (but may be eligible for a separate $50 rebate for newly purchased and installed eligible devices).
- Applicants are limited to five (5) thermostats.
I am a landlord whose rental property’s electric account is in my name. Can I enroll this property’s devices in Power Partner?
No, only occupants of a premises (with electric accounts in their names) are eligible.
After submitting my application when will I be notified of my status in the program?
Austin Energy will provide email confirmation of your status in the program, typically within four weeks of applying.
Can I enroll in both Power Partner Thermostat and Power Partner EV?
Yes! Please visit Power Partner EV for more information.
How will I receive my program incentive?
The $75 enrollment incentive (for each eligible thermostat) will be issued in the form of an Austin Energy electric bill credit within 1-2 billing cycles after acceptance. Incentives may change during seasonal promotions.
You will receive an additional $30 credit after one year of remaining in the program and every subsequent year for each device that stays enrolled in Power Partner. Customers will typically receive their annual incentives within 1 to 2 billing cycles of their enrollment anniversary date, subject to additional delays due to the volume of total program payouts in a given month. For example, if you enrolled your thermostat in June, you would receive your annual $30 incentive between July and August of the following year.
What can I expect during a Power Partner event?
When Austin Energy initiates a Power Partner event, your thermostat will be adjusted by up to 4 degrees. During the summer, Power Partner events are preceded by 30 minutes of pre-cooling of two degrees to help prolong your initial comfort level.
When do Power Partner Events typically occur?
Most Power Partner events occur during the summer (June 1–Sept. 30). Austin Energy may conduct events outside of these windows, such as extreme winter weather circumstances.
How will I know when a Power Partner Thermostat event is in progress?
Notifications will usually appear in two ways: (1) on the smart thermostat screen and/or (2) within the manufacturer’s smart thermostat app on a mobile device.
Note: Austin Energy does not send Power Partner event notifications, which are set by the thermostat manufacturer. Manufacturers may or may not provide notifications prior to a Power Partner event.
Where can I go to find out if my thermostat is eligible for the program?
The Power Partner Thermostat program has partnered with a variety of common household thermostat brands. View a list of which models and brands are compatible in the Eligibility section.
Can I enroll multiple thermostats?
Applicants are limited to five (5) thermostats. New members of the program can earn a $50 bill credit for each eligible thermostat.
What if I don't want to participate in a Power Partner Thermostat event?
You can override Power Partner events at any time by simply adjusting the temperature on your thermostat or thermostat app. You will not be penalized for opting out of an event.
How can I permanently opt out of Power Partner Thermostat?
Customers who wish to permanently end their participation in Power Partner events may submit a Power Partner Opt Out request. Doing so will disqualify you from earning an annual incentive.
Where can I find the terms and conditions for this program?
View the terms and conditions for Power Partner on EnergyHub’s website.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions about the Power Partner Thermostat program?
Please email the Austin Energy Power Partner Program.
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Disclaimer
Funding is limited and available only to Austin Energy customers on a first-come, first-served basis. Offerings are subject to change without notice.