Nest’s incentive programs saved users cash and energy

Last year, Nest launched its Rush Hour Rewards that offered rebate checks of up to $60 to owners of the Google-owned thermostat system in exchange for a reduction of their air conditioning use. Today, the company announced that the program was a success, managing to cut energy use by 55 percent during peak hours in the summer of 2013.

Not the company’s only money saving program, Nest also offers a program called Seasonal Savings. Powered by partnerships with local energy companies, the service allows the thermostat to make automated “tweaks” to your system’s settings. The company said that this initiative managed to reduce air conditioning usage by 4.7 percent.

Perhaps hoping to build on its success, Nest announced a new set of energy companies joining its programs. Customers of Columbia Gas of Ohio, ComEd, CPS Energy and Direct Energy will be able to take advantage of Seasonal Savings. Lastly, the company announced that it’s expanding its program to customers across the pond and that npower will be its first partner in the UK.