BARC–WattShifters Energy Management Trial
BARC is working with WattShifters to offer members the GoodWatts energy
management system. This system consists of an Internet home gateway, wireless
thermostats, and energy management switches for electric water heaters. The
system can be used in conjunction with BARC’s load management program to help
alleviate the increasing cost of power.
We are rolling out a limited number of these systems for the first phase of our
trial. To qualify for the program, your home will need to meet certain criteria. First, you need to have a
connection to the Internet that is always connected such as Cable Modem, DSL, Satellite, or FiOS.
Second, your home should be heated and cooled with a central forced-air system. Heat Pumps are ideal for
the GoodWatts system. The system doesn't work with electric baseboard heat or air conditioning window units.
If you have an electric water heater, it can also be connected to the system allowing you to monitor the
energy it uses and control it automatically.
If you would like to be considered as a candidate for one of these systems,
please click on the link below and fill out the GoodWatts survey. Someone from
BARC or WattShifters will contact those who qualify for the program to discuss the
next step in the process. This will be an ongoing partnership, so if you are not in the
initial pilot, you may be contacted in the future to see if you still wish to
participate.
What Will Be Installed In My Home?
A GoodWatts system includes several devices to be installed in the house. The exact number of devices will depend upon what types of energy-consuming appliances you have in your home.
Internet Gateway
The gateway also has a digital radio transceiver allowing it to communicate wirelessly with the other GoodWatts devices. Therefore, no new wiring is required to install the GoodWatts system in your home.
Digital Wireless Thermostat
GoodWatts uses an advanced digital thermostat to control your Air Conditioning and Heating
systems. This thermostat has features
similar to other digital thermostats at your local home
improvement store, but with the additional capability of wireless
communications. This wireless
capability allows the
gateway to communicate with the thermostat and allows you to remotely monitor
and control your thermostat.
Digital Wireless Energy Management Switch
An Energy Management Switch may be installed to control and monitor other appliances that consume larger amounts of power - such as electric water heaters and pool pumps. This device will allow you to monitor the energy consumption of these appliances and also allows you to schedule appliance operation - at times convenient to you.
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THE EM SWITCH IS UL LISTED. |
Professional Installation
GoodWatts installation teams are trained professionals that will ensure your installation goes smoothly. Before installation, the installers will evaluate your appliances to determine whether they are compatible with GoodWatts components. Installation will take from 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending upon the number and type of devices to be installed in your home.
After installation, the install team will show you the basics of operating your GoodWatts system and will be able to answer any questions that you may have.
Click the button above to sign up for the trial
The link above will take you to a secure website where you can give us your name and contact information and some basic information about your home. If your home seems to meet the criteria for the system, someone will contact you within a few days to follow up with you.
(C) Copyright 2009, WattShifters and BARC Electric Cooperative. All Rights Reserved.