The new Easy Green sensor was installed on the house today.
The phone rang during my work day two weeks ago, and the caller ID showed a number that I did not recognize. I usually let these go to voicemail when I’m trying to work, but since we had just installed new phones and I was still eager to play with them, I answered.
A young man greeted me and nervously explained that he was calling on behalf of my electricity company to offer my household the chance to participate in the Easy Green program. With my consent, the energy company would install a box near my air conditioner unit and leave me a sensor to plug in near my thermostat. I would then be agreeing to let them regulate my home’s temperature by raising it about 6 degrees during high usage days, which he said would save me money and “be green, which is good for the earth, you know?”
Yeah pal, I know. Saving money while saving the planet is clearly within my mission statement! I had heard of this program before, but the last time I checked it was not yet available for my home. Happy that I could now participate, I signed up. The $50 in gift cards they offered up as a bribe to sweeten the deal made me feel like a kid that was promised and ice cream cone if they would agree to ride the carousel.
The Easy Green program has environmental and economic benefits, and I am thrilled to participate. On my end, I get to save a little cash on my summer cooling bill. On their end, my provider has a way to manage demand on the hottest days of the year to ease the strain on their system. On the planet’s end (can we have three ends?), reduced electricity usage at peak times means reduced energy production, which correlates into a lower environmental impact. I get bragging rights, too-the program supports the purposes of the New Jersey Energy Master Plan, which will give me a little more street cred as I try to direct my career more towards sustainable development urban planning.
Today the tech came by to install the outdoor unit. This took quite a bit longer and was quite a bit louder than I had expected, but by lunchtime my house was sporting the newest eco-gadget on the block. We won’t be actively using the system for some time yet since we’re having a real winter this year, and the air conditioner won’t be needed for several months. When the days get longer and hotter, and the house needs active cooling, I’ll be sure to post an update here to let you know how the easy the Easy Green experience is for us.
Oh, and I’ll try to spend those gift cards on fun new sustainable living tools to review here for you.
