Chicago utility plans demand-response program using smart thermostats during heatwaves

Commonwealth Edison is preparing to remotely adjust customer thermostats by 1-2 degrees during peak demand periods, a strategy that could reduce regional electricity consumption equivalent to several power plants while maintaining household

First covered Jul 2, 2026 · 6:00 AM PT · 1 article

Coverage

14h Inside Climate News Smart Thermostats Will Soon Come to the Rescue During Heatwaves — In the near future, the Chicago-area electricity grid will meet demand during a heatwave by remotely turning up thermostats by a degree or two in households…

Discussion

Bluesky: @dangearino.bsky.social Dan Gearino · 13h ago · 5 ♥ Smart thermostats will soon come to the rescue during heatwaves, and an Illinois program shows how it works. (I should specify that the thing being rescued is THE GRID, which, by extension, is good for everyone who relies on the grid.) insideclimatenews.org/news/0207202...…

Appeared in: 2026-07-03 (#18)

← Back to the brief