EPUD PowerSync Pilot Program
EPUD is partnering with the Bonneville Power Administration to bring the PowerSync pilot program to our District! The two-year pilot program aims to measure the effectiveness of managing electric demand by controlling when select appliances are on. The pilot will measure how utility/consumer cooperation can reduce strain on electric systems and control electric costs.
Current Status
July 2012:
All program devices have been installed in EPUD customer homes. The PowerSync program has successfully completed two of its planned four demand savings season. This month marks the beginning of the program's third demand savings season where
EPUD will schedule several “demand savings events” for the PowerSync program through September 2012. During these times, EPUD will communicate with hot water heaters and/or heat pump thermostats to make slight adjustments to their energy usage. The goal of the pilot is to determine if these adjustments can provide big cumulative savings for all EPUD Customer-Owners. This coming season is especially exciting since it’s the first summer season where we have full participation.
We’ve identified a variety of demand savings events that will keep the PowerSync program busy through the summer:
| Event Description | No. of Events | Start Time | End Time |
| Thermostats and Water Heaters on Days with Above Normal Temperatures | 1 | 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Thermostats and Water Heaters on Days with High Heat Index | 2 | 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Thermostats and Water Heaters on Days with Average Temperatures | 2 | 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Thermostats Only on Days with High Heat Index | 2 | 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Thermostats Only on Days with Average Temperatures | 1 | 2:00 PM | 5:00 PM |
| Water Heaters Only on Days with Average Temperatures | 1 | 7:00 AM | 10:00 AM |
| Water Heaters Only on Days with Average Temperatures | 1 | 9:00 PM | 2:00 AM |
Per your Customer Participation Agreement, EPUD will limit the number of events scheduled for your devices to no more than 10 times this summer.
Individual participation in each event is voluntary. If you wish to opt out, you can do so via one of the following options:
- Call EPUD at 541-746-1583 and a Customer Service Representative will temporarily remove your devices from participation in the PowerSync program.
- Login to the PowerSync website: http://bit.ly/PowerSync
Default Username: First letter of first name and full last name (ex., Jane Smith = “jsmith”)
Password: (EPUD Account Number)
September/October 2011:
All Steffes devices and water-heater controllers are now fully deployed in customer homes. EPUD still needs qualified participants for the thermostat controller. Please click the link below to see if you qualify.
The summer demand savings season comes to a close at the end of September. Demand savings events will resume again in November when the winter season begins. PowerSync participants are always given advanced notice of any event via phone and email and are automatically opted in to these events. If a participant wishes to opt out of an event, they must visit the Wisewatts PowerSync Customer Portal page HERE.
As a reminder, default log-in details are:
- Username: First letter of first name and full last name (ex., Jane Smith = “jsmith”)
- Password: (EPUD Account Number)
Participants can also call EPUD at 541-746-1583 to opt out of an event and/or for more information.
How does the pilot program work?
- EPUD and contractor Bear Mountain Electric will install communicating programmable thermostats and water-heater controls in participating homes.
- Instruments will then make small, pre-scheduled adjustments (demand savings events) at times of anticipated high electric demand (approximately 20 adjustments per year). Participants will be notified in advance of any adjustment and would have the option to override if necessary. Research shows these small changes are barely noticeable.
- EPUD will measure how these small changes, spread through many homes, affect overall power demand.
What are the benefits of the program?
If EPUD is able to meet the growing electric needs of our District with the power we already have by slightly adjusting usage at peak times, we won't need to buy more expensive power elsewhere. By choosing to cooperate with EPUD in this study, you may be able to guarantee lower rates into the future. In addition:
- All devices installed in your home are yours to keep (up to $300 value)
- Receive $10 sign-up bonus (Jerry’s gift card)
- Receive welcome kit with gifts, information, and in-depth details on the program
- Receive quarterly communication on how the program is working and attend annual PowerSync participant dinners
- Help EPUD use energy more efficiently
- Experience smart grid technology first-hand
Am I qualified to participate?
There is no cost to be involved in the pilot program. To qualify, homes MUST have:
- An electric water heater of any size in good condition.
Is it too late to participate?
We still need additional participants in this program!