Learn about reward shifts

If a particular area turns on their electronic devices at the same time, it creates a peak in energy demand. To meet the increase in demand, utilities may need to bring additional power plants online which causes the electricity to cost more. To help minimize the cost, enrolled devices can join reward shift programs and work together to reduce energy usage during peaks.

Energy companies may offer “reward shifts” to enrolled participants which help reduce your energy usage to save cost and when the demand is high.

What reward shifts does

When you sign up for reward shifts, your Nest thermostat changes the temperature settings based on the energy demand in your area. This helps reduce energy use when need is high or when more clean energy sources are available. Your device may be working together with other devices in a small community or in a larger area depending on what you signed up for.

How to sign up for reward shifts

To participate in the reward shifts, you need to have:

• An account with an energy partner participating in one of our energy saving programs
• A Nest thermostat added to an account in the Google Home app or Nest app

When you first set up your thermostat through the Home or Nest app, you''ll get a push notification to sign up for the reward shift programs. If you've already completed the setup, you'll periodically receive sign up notifications instead.

With these, you’ll be able to earn rewards through the utility account linked with the thermostat.

How to know if my thermostat currently earns reward shifts

The Nest leaf on either your thermostat or Google Home app indicates if reward shifts are active.

Also when your thermostat prepares to start reward shifts, there will be a prompt on both your thermostat and phone. The prompt tells you that it will shift your temperature up to 4 degrees due to high energy demand. The duration of the rewards shifts may also be included in the prompt.

Tip: You can always manually change the temperature while reward shifts are active. Keep in mind that once you change the temperature, reward shifts will end.

What kinds of rewards you'll get

The rewards you’ll earn when rewards shifts are active will depend on your energy company. You may need to check with them for specifics. Here are some examples of how your energy company may compensate you:

• Most energy companies offer a reward and provide incentives to enroll, such as discounts or a thermostat at no additional charge.
• Some energy companies will give you a credit on your electric bill.
• Some will reward by comparing your energy use during rewards shifts to the amount of energy you normally use.

Tip: Keep in mind that your energy company will measure the total amount of energy you use during the rewards shift, so if you’re running the washer, the dryer or other major appliances - you may reduce your rewards.