Frequently Asked Questions

Thermostat Program

Who is eligible to participate in Peak Partners?

All Fort Collins Utilities single-family residential and small commercial electric customers with:

Central air conditioning units or a heat pump and central heat
Broadband Wi-Fi internet access.

(Fort Collins Utilities’ rental customers are eligible if the landlord/property manager enrolls the property.)

My household has an occupant with a medical condition that may be affected by temperature changes. Am I able to participate?

Yes. Please be aware that the temperature inside the house could increase a few degrees during a Peak Partners conservation event and you should take that into consideration before enrolling.

Are there any requirements for my A/C system to be able to participate?

Customers must have central air conditioning and heating in good working order. Customers with only window or room air conditioners or multi-zone systems are not eligible.

Which browsers and mobile operating systems are supported by the portal?

Supported browsers include: Chrome version 30 and above, Firefox version 20 and above, Safari version 6.2 and above and Microsoft Internet Explorer (MSIE) version 10 and above. Supported operating systems include iPhone iOS 7 and above and Android 4.4 KitKat and above.

Why are you offering Peak Partners?

As Fort Collins continues to grow and more residents acquire central air conditioning, large refrigerators, freezers and other energy-hungry appliances, the demand for energy increases. To help manage the growing demand for electricity, Peak Partners was developed to help reduce peak electricity demand during the summer months when usage is at its highest.

The goal is to reduce peak electricity demand through technology and engagement for our customers, using highly specific, tailored, actionable energy-saving tips to save money. Peak Partners is a flexible, residential energy management solution that combines peak electricity reduction and energy efficiency for Fort Collins customers.

How does Peak Partners work?

When you enroll in Peak Partners, we’ll professionally install a Peak Partners web-programmable thermostat in your home. On selected days in May through September, we’ll automatically cycle the compressors of participating customers’ central air conditioners and heat pumps off and on to help balance the region’s demand for electricity. These events are known as Peak Partners “conservation events.” Peak Partners works best when it is truly a community-wide effort.

How often will the program be activated?

The number of Peak Partners conservation events depends on many factors, including weather, peak electricity demand and wholesale energy costs. Fort Collins Utilities expects no more than 20 conservation events per summer, or about four events per month.

When and for how long will a conservation event last?

Peak Partners conservation events occur May through September on select hot days and will typically occur during the afternoon to early evening. Conservation events typically last 2 to 4 hours.

What is "cycling"?

When a Peak Partners conservation event is called, your device will receive a signal that will put your cooling unit’s compressor into a “conservation mode.”

For all cycling levels, the fan will continue to circulate air even though the compressor has a reduced operating time. For example, a 50% cycling level means that your compressor operates for half the time it did in the previous hour. Most participants won’t notice the average 1 to 3-degree rise in temperature during a typical conservation event.

Are there any costs to participate in Peak Partners?

There are no on-going costs to participate in Peak Partners.

Are there penalties for withdrawing from Peak Partners?

No, there are no penalties for withdrawing from Peak Partners. Fort Collins Utilities will not remove the web-programmable thermostat from the property when a customer withdraws from the program. To withdraw, contact the Peak Partners call center toll free at 855-350-1464 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

What is a web-programmable thermostat?

A Peak Partners web-programmable thermostat is a digital thermostat that allows you to adjust the temperature settings of your home from a smartphone, tablet or computer via the internet to your preset schedule. The temperature also may be adjusted manually at the thermostat.

During times of peak electricity demand, your Peak Partners web-programmable thermostat will receive a signal to initiate a conservation event. The signal operates on a unique frequency and will not interfere with any other wireless devices in your home.

How can I program my thermostat through the internet and receive my energy tips?

Participants in Peak Partners may access the thermostat settings through a portal from a computer or mobile device. Any changes made on the thermostat are reflected in the portal and vice versa. There could be a delay in displaying a new set point in the portal if the change was made on the thermostat; however, the change in the set point is effective immediately.

Energy tips are provided by Peak Partners based on energy-related criteria input by participants. The tips will be specific and can include methods of saving electricity on air conditioners, clothes dryers or other appliances. These tips may be communicated by email or directly on the portal based on customer preference. You must be a participant in Peak Partners to receive the custom energy tips.

Can I change my custom settings on my programmable thermostat?

While you can temporarily adjust your temperature settings up and down on your thermostat, the more advanced custom settings are available to you only online through your computer or mobile device.

What other information can I find in the Peak Partners online tool?

Participants in Peak Partners may receive specific electricity usage data for your home.

How much can I expect my programmable thermostat to save me on my cooling and heating costs?

According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), depending on usage patterns and how effectively you program the thermostat, it is possible to save as much as 10% annually on home cooling and heating costs. This assumes you decrease your thermostat to a lower temperature in the winter and increase your thermostat to use less energy when you are not home in the summer.

I’ve received a letter/postcard saying that my thermostat is no longer supported, what does that mean?

The manufacturer is no longer making your version of the thermostat. If your thermostat stops working, we can swap out a similar spare for you at no cost. These thermostat models have a very low failure rate. A replacement spare thermostat should operate for at least another 4 years without any problems.

How can Peak Partners benefit me?

Participants in Peak Partners will receive a state-of-the-art web-programmable thermostat(s), including professional installation. The thermostats and system provide 24×7 control, convenience and the opportunity to better control heating and cooling expenses.

In addition to the thermostat, participants in Peak Partners will receive energy tips specific to their electricity usage habits. These tips are meant to make customers more aware of ways to save money through everyday use of air conditioners, clothes dryers, pool pumps or household upgrades such as adding insulation.

What causes "times of critical electricity demand?"

Times of critical (or peak) electricity demand occur when utility customers use electricity at the same time, creating overloads on the energy supply. Peak Partners is just one method Fort Collins is using to manage the rising demand for electricity, deferring the construction of high-cost power plants to help keep electricity rates lower, and helping the environment by reducing emissions produced on hot days.

Can a conservation event occur outside of the months of the Peak Partners cooling season?

No. Conservation events will occur only between May and September.

Will Peak Partners affect my comfort level?

You may or may not notice that a Peak Partners conservation event is even occurring. During a conservation event, the temperature in a typical home may rise slightly, depending on the cycling level and solar exposure of your home. Variables such as home insulation, shaded windows, use of ceiling fans and the amount of home foot traffic are some of the factors that can affect indoor temperature.

Is there a health concern with the radio frequency (RF) signal used by the Peak Partners thermostats?

During conservation events, Peak Partners operates on an RF signal. RF broadcasts are used for things like TV and radio, mobile phones, microwave ovens, radar and Wi-Fi devices that give us internet access. Standards and protocols have been set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and all radio communicating devices must be tested to ensure they transmit within a safe level. The amount of radio waves emitted by web-programmable thermostats is a small fraction of what comes from wireless phones and no different than your laptop operating over Wi-Fi, even at very close proximity. It is well below regulatory safety limits.

How will I know when a Peak Partners conservation event is occurring?

Check your Peak Partners thermostat. When a conservation event occurs, the left LED will glow green and the display will read “CONTROL ACTIVE MORE THAN/LESS THAN 2 HRS REMAINING” at the top of the screen. You also will receive a notification through your Peak Partners web/mobile application and email (if you have not opted out of email communications).

Am I permitted to "override" a conservation event?

Yes, you can override a conservation event twice per summer via the mobile application.

How does Peak Partners benefit my community?

Central air conditioners create increased demand for electricity, both straining the power system and impacting short-term power prices. Participating in Peak Partners helps reduce peak energy use of central air conditioning. Adopting the provided energy tips can help reduce demand and favorably impact short-term power prices. On an individual basis, one participant’s contribution may seem small, but when all the program participants are joined together, the combined system impacts are significant and provide real system benefits.

How does Peak Partners help the environment?

By reducing electricity demand during a conservation event and adopting practices outlined in the homeowner-specific energy tips, Peak Partners reduces emissions by avoiding the need to produce that amount of electricity. When demand for electricity is at its highest and supplies are strained, less efficient power plants must be brought into operation to meet demand. Less efficient power plants generally mean higher emissions. The Peak Partners program also helps reduce the need to build additional power plants.

What about Time-of-Day (TOD) rates?

Fort Collins Utilities implemented Time-of-Day (TOD) rates on October 1, 2018. This means during four or five hours of the day, depending on the season, using electricity is more expensive. The Peak Partners thermostats have a pre-loaded schedule which reduces electricity use during the most expensive hours of the day, enabling you to save money.

Where can I find the Time-of-Day savings schedule for my thermostat?

After logging into your thermostat portal, select the “Schedule” tab and look for the drop-down menu at the top of the page and choose “Time-of-Day Savings.” If you need assistance, please call 855-350-1464.

About Your Thermostat Installation

Do I need to be home when the Peak Partners thermostat is installed?

Yes. Our technicians will install the thermostat inside your home. You will need to schedule an appointment and a responsible adult over the age of 18 must be present to allow our technician to enter your home and perform the installation. The adult present needs to provide the Wi-Fi router password so the technician can configure the thermostat with your Wi-Fi.

How long will the installation take?

Installation of the new thermostat and removal of your old thermostat will take approximately one hour. Our technician will help you program your new thermostat and answer any questions.

When will the thermostat be installed?

Generally, installation takes place within one month of your enrollment, although you can schedule an installation at your convenience, including Saturdays.

What if there’s a problem?

If you have a question about your thermostat installation or about the program, just call us toll-free at 855-350-1464 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. If there is an issue after 6 p.m. on a weekday or during the weekend, an after-hours technician is available for emergency calls.

What if there’s a problem with my existing air conditioning equipment?

The technician may determine that your air conditioning system either (a) is not compatible with the thermostat being installed, or (b) has a problem that prevents installation without repairs being made first.

Some customers have thermostats that are not compatible with the thermostats being offered in this program. An example would be a thermostat that has added functionality such as air quality control in the home. In these instances, the thermostat offered in this program would not be suitable as it would not support the added functionality in the existing thermostat.
If problems with your existing air conditioning equipment are identified in the thermostat installation, the technician will explain the situation and your options. You may participate once the system repairs are completed by your HVAC contractor. Note that our technicians are not allowed to make repairs for you. The technician will tell you if there are fundamental or major problems with your system, or if it is incompatible with the Peak Partners equipment, and what options may exist for you to participate in the program.For your information, Fort Collins Utilities has collaborated with Platte River Power Authority’s Efficiency Works-Homes (EW-Home) Program, which maintains a list of residential mechanical system contractors who have met certain training and quality installation practice requirements. The list of participating contractors can be found on the Efficiency Works website at: https://efficiencyworks.org/resources/find-a-service-provider/.

Privacy FAQs

Does Fort Collins Utilities keep my Wi-Fi password?

No. Although installation of the Peak Partners thermostat requires that the thermostat be linked to your Wi-Fi system for communications purposes, the password is not retained or shared with any other party. The thermostat uses the “XMPP protocol” to enable your PC and mobile device access, as well as to communicate back to the Utilities. The XMPP protocol is widely used by Instant Messaging (IM) services. In the same way that your IM provider does not know your Wi-Fi password, Fort Collins Utilities will not know your Wi-Fi password.

Does Fort Collins Utilities know if I’m home or away?

No. The data collected does not indicate if people are present in their homes. The “Vacation” and “Away” functions are locally controlled by the thermostat and are not shared with Fort Collins Utilities.

What data is collected?

The thermostat collects information on temperature settings, indoor temperature, thermostat operation mode (heat, cool) and HVAC run-time. This data is securely transmitted back to Utilities. The thermostat does not collect information on the occupancy of the home.

If I opt out of the program, what data is being collected?

To keep the thermostat, if you opt out of the program, the same information as described in “What data is collected” above will continue to be gathered.

How long is the data kept?

The data will be kept for a minimum of two years.

How will the collected data be used?

Utilities’ staff analyzes this data to refine the Peak Partners program and optimize benefits to both participants and the utility system.

Will the collected data be sold?

No. The collected data will not be sold to any third party.

How is the data protected?

Fort Collins Utilities takes data privacy very seriously and complies with local, state and federal laws to protect our customers’ personal data and information. All customer information, including personal data, utility use and more, is strictly protected. Fort Collins Utilities is subject to the Colorado Open Records Act and Fort Collins Municipal Code, which govern the accessibility of public records. Utilities is also subject to the Red Flags Rules of the FACT Act (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003), which requires creditors to create and implement a program to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft.

Water Heater Program

What is the Peak Partners water heater program?

Fort Collins Utilities is offering a new water heater program as part of Peak Partners. The program reduces peak demand on the electricity grid, which helps keep the cost for power low. Peak Partners is a flexible, cost-effective residential energy management solution that combines peak electricity reduction and energy efficiency.

How does the program work?

Landlords and/or property managers and tenants agree to have the water heaters in their apartment complexes equipped with two-way communication devices. These switches are remotely activated to temporarily turn off water heaters for short periods of time. These periods of time are known as ‘conservation events’.

Conservation events shift electricity use from on-peak to off-peak times, delivering savings to the participating customers. Fort Collins Utilities and Platte River can call conservation events at other times to ensure electric grid reliability, expand the use of renewable energy or other operational reasons.

Who is eligible to participate?

All Fort Collins Utilities residential and small commercial electric customers who have an electric water heater (minimum of 3,500 watts) and who do not benefit from load limiting devices, such as demand controllers or water heater timers, may participate.

How often are the water heaters turned off?

To deliver savings to you, Fort Collins Utilities will turn off the water heater temporarily, Monday to Friday (except major holidays). By turning off the water heater during on-peak hours, and shifting the use of electricity use to off-peak hours, the cost of operating an electric water heater will be lower.

When and for how long will a conservation event last?

The length of a conservation event depends on which savings option you choose.

Basic Energy Savings: one hour, Monday-Friday (holidays excluded), starting at 6 p.m., May 1 to September 30, or starting at 8 p.m. October 1 to April 30.
Default Energy Savings: 2.5 hours, Monday-Friday (holidays excluded), starting at 4:30 p.m., May 1 to September 30, and starting at 6:30 p.m., October 1 to April 30.
Aggressive Energy Savings: 5 hours, Monday-Friday (holidays excluded), starting at 2 p.m., May 1 to September 30, or 4 hours, starting at 5 p.m., October 1 to April 30.

Conservation events are short enough and water heaters are large enough (40 to 60 gallons) so there is plenty of hot water for household use and typically you will not notice a difference, in the Basic Energy Savings and Default Energy Savings. See question below on drawbacks of Aggressive Energy Savings.

How much money can I save?

It really depends on how much hot water you use in your home and time when you use it. Typical savings follow

Basic Energy Savings: as much as $22/year
Default Energy Savings: as much as $52/year
Aggressive Energy Savings: as much as $70/year.

Is there any drawback with the different savings options?

Water heater tanks are large (40 gallons or more) so you should have plenty of hot water with the Basic and Default Energy Savings options. Selecting the Aggressive Energy Savings option should be done carefully and with a clear understanding of the risks. While the water heater tanks are large, delaying electricity use by 4 (or 5 hours in Summer) means you might run out of hot-water. Choose this option only if you think you can “coast” with 40 gallons of hot water for up to 5 hours.

How do I choose the level of savings?

By default, everyone is enrolled in the Default Savings option, which will save you as much as $52/year. If you want to increase or decrease your savings, please call 855-350-1464.

What happened to the $4/month credit?

It has been discontinued when Time-Of-Day rates became effective. It is being replaced with the energy savings options being offered. This way you can save more or less than before. Actual savings are based also on your own participation level, making the savings more equitable across all the program participants.

What if I don’t want to participate in a single event?

Participants may not opt out of any conservation event once it is underway. However, if you foresee the need to avoid participation in a conservation event, you can call 855-350-1464 in advance and schedule your water heater to not participate in up to four events per year. In the case of an emergency or if you decide to leave the program, the communication device on your water heater may be remotely deactivated.

What if a tenant does not want to participate?

If certain tenants do not wish to participate, we can remotely deactivate their equipment and they will not receive any credits on their electricity bill. The conservation device can be remotely reactivated when a new tenant chooses to participate.

Does it cost anything to participate?

There are no costs to participate in the Peak Partners water heater program.

Will it affect my electricity costs?

Participating in the Peak Partners Electric Water Heater program will help reduce the cost of operating an electric water heater. By shifting electricity use from On-Peak to Off-Peak times participating customers will see savings. Depending on which level you choose, you can expect savings of as much as $22/year, $52/year or $70/year. Standard operation of an electric water heater costs approximately $220/year.

Fort Collins Utilities makes no guarantees that your utility bill will be lower than before nor that the above listed savings will be realized by every participating customer. Actual savings depend on the total usage of hot water by each household.

Are there any penalties for withdrawing from the Peak Partners water heater program?

No, there are no penalties for withdrawing from the program. If you choose to withdraw from the program, the two-way communication device will be deactivated remotely. Fort Collins Utilities will not remove the two-way communication device from your water heater if you decide to leave the program. To withdraw, contact the Peak Partners call center toll-free at 855-350-1464 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

How will I know when a Peak Partners event is occurring?

You will see an LED light on the two-way indicator device when an event is underway.

How does Peak Partners benefit me?

By enrolling in the program, Fort Collins Utilities will shift electricity usage of your electric water heater from On-Peak hours to Off-Peak hours, reducing your cost of operating an electric water heater. Shifting usage will be done automatically and without you having to worry about it once you are enrolled in the program.

Will there be other times the water heater is turned off?

Likely. Either Fort Collins Utilities or PRPA might need to turn off the water heater temporarily, to expand the use of renewable energy, to support electric grid reliability or for other operational reasons.

Conservation events are short enough and water heaters are large enough (40 to 60 gallons) so there is plenty of hot water for household use and typically you will not notice a difference.

How does Peak Partners benefit my community?

Fort Collins Utilities’ goal is to reduce peak electricity demand through energy-saving technology and engagement with our customers.

The Peak Partners water heater program helps reduce peak energy use of water heaters. Less electricity demand at peak times can favorably impact short-term power prices, or increase the use of renewable energy in the electric grid.

A single participant’s contribution may seem small but, when program participants join together, the system impacts can be significant and provide real broad-based benefits.

How does Peak Partners help the environment?

By reducing electricity demand during a conservation event, Peak Partners reduces emissions by avoiding the need to produce that amount of electricity. When demand for electricity is at its highest and supplies are strained, less efficient power plants must be used to meet demand. Less efficient power plants generally mean higher emissions. The Peak Partners program also helps reduce the need to build additional power plants.

About Your Digital Switch Installation

Do I need to be home when the Peak Partners two-way communication device is installed?

Yes. Our technicians will install the device on your water heater. You will need to schedule an appointment and a responsible adult over the age of 18 must be present to allow our technician into your home to perform the installation.

How long will the installation take?

Installation of the new device will take approximately one hour.

When will the digital switch be installed?

It’s up to you. To sign up for the Peak Partners water heater program and schedule an installation appointment, call us toll-free at 855-350-1464 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can schedule an installation at your convenience, including Saturdays.

What if there’s a problem?

If you have a question about your installation or about the program, just call us toll-free at 855-350-1464 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. If there is an issue after 6 p.m. weekdays or on a weekend, an after-hours technician is available for emergency calls.

What if there’s a problem with my existing water heater?

The technician may determine that your water heater either (a) is not compatible with the unit being installed, or (b) has a problem that prevents installation without repairs first being made to the water heater.

Through Efficiency Works, Fort Collins Utilities maintains a list of residential mechanical system contractors who meet certain requirements. For details and the list of contractors, visit https://efficiencyworks.org/resources/find-a-service-provider/. Fort Collins Utilities collaborates with Platte River Power Authority on Efficiency Works programs for homes and businesses.

Privacy FAQs

Does Fort Collins Utilities know if I’m home or away?

No. The data collected does not indicate whether or not people are present in their homes. The water heater digital switch only collects data related to when energy is being used by the electric water heater.

What data is collected?

The digital switch collects information on power status (on/off) for the water heater and heating elements runtime (i.e., when energy is used to warm up the water). This data is securely transmitted back to the Utilities. The digital switch does not collect information on the occupancy of the home.

If I opt out of the program, what data is being collected?

If you, as a tenant, opt out of the program, the same information as described in “What data is collected?” (above) will continue to be gathered.

How long is the data kept?

The data will be kept for a minimum of two years.

How will the collected data be used?

Utilities’ staff analyzes this data to refine the Peak Partners program and optimize benefits to both participants and the utility system.

Will the collected data be sold?

No. The collected data will not be sold to any third party.

How is the data protected?

Fort Collins Utilities takes data privacy very seriously and complies with local, state and federal laws to protect our customers’ personal data and information. All customer information – including personal data, utility use and more – are strictly protected. Fort Collins Utilities is subject to the Colorado Open Records Act and Fort Collins Municipal Code, which govern the accessibility of public records. Utilities is also subject to the Red Flags Rules of the FACT Act (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003), which requires creditors to create and implement a program to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft.

Home Energy Monitor Program

Who is eligible to receive a Peak Partners Energy Monitor?

All Fort Collins Utilities single-family residential and small and medium commercial electricity customers.

What is an energy monitor?

An energy monitor informs you in real time (and over time) about your household electricity use. It provides visual displays of your current and past usage in kilowatts (kW), kilowatt hours (kWh), dollars and cents. Being able to track your electricity use as you’re using it, allows you to see the cost of running appliances, TVs and home office equipment.

How does the Peak Partners Energy Monitor work?

The Peak Partners Energy Monitor uses a secure, encrypted wireless connection to join with your Fort Collins Utilities smart meter. It will be configured (linked) exclusively to your home’s electric meter by Fort Collins Utilities when you call 855-350-1464 from your home. Fort Collins Utilities will activate the wireless monitor-to-meter link. Only your monitor will be able to “talk” to your meter.

How close to the electric meter does the energy monitor have to be?

The energy monitor is a wireless device (like a Wi-Fi device) and needs to be close to the meter to receive the signal from it. Typical range is about 75 feet, but actual range depends on the number of walls and any obstruction between meter and monitor.

Are there any costs associated with using the Peak Partners Energy Monitor?

No. You borrow the monitor from any branch of the Fort Collins library (Poudre River Public Library District) just as you would a book. Fort Collins Utilities will remotely configure the monitor to your home’s smart meter at no cost to you. If you are happy with the performance of the monitor, you will be able to purchase one directly from different online retailers.

What information does the Peak Partners Energy Monitor provide?

The energy monitor provides your home electricity usage in real-time. It also provides your usage history, comparative information and associated costs.

What if there’s a problem?

If you have a question about your energy monitor or about the program, just call us toll-free at 855-350-1464 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Do I need to be home for Fort Collins Utilities to set up the electricity meter to communicate with my energy monitor?

Yes, you will need to call us from your home at 855-350-1464. At that time, we’ll take you through a few brief steps to activate the link between your energy monitor and your home’s smart meter.

What if I move? Will my device work at my new home?

If you move, your device will no longer work with the meter at your previous address or initially at your new home. When your Fort Collins Utilities account at your new home is active, you can contact us at 855-350-1464 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, to activate the link between your energy monitor and the smart meter at your new home.

Please note that if you are moving from a detached or semi-detached home to another dwelling type such as a condo, your energy monitor may not work at your new location.

How do energy monitors work?

Home energy monitors establish a secure, wireless connection with the electricity meter at your home to provide real-time energy use and cost feedback. The wireless technology used is like that used by a cordless telephone. The Peak Partners Energy Monitor is a ZigBee© certified product.

Does the energy monitor give Fort Collins Utilities access to my real-time electricity usage information?

As your energy provider, Fort Collins Utilities has access to your electricity usage information, but not in real-time. However, apart from Fort Collins Utilities, only you and those you authorize can view the information provided by your energy monitor. Only the energy monitor registered to your home’s smart meter will give you access to your real-time home energy usage and associated data.

Are home energy monitors secure?

Yes. Only the energy monitor registered to the meter at your home will display your home energy usage information. Only you and those you authorize will be able to view your real-time electricity usage data or associated information.

How can an energy monitor help me save energy and money?

It’s far easier to manage something you can measure and track.

Home energy monitors provide up-to-the-minute electricity usage information in kilowatts, kilowatt hours and in dollars and cents. Real-time feedback helps you understand when you are using more electricity and when you are being energy efficient. By turning appliances on and off, you’ll discover which ones are consuming more energy. For instance, the cell phone chargers, paper shredder and gadgets most often left plugged in when not in use could make a notable difference if turned off or unplugged. When you can watch how you use energy, it makes it easier to conserve it, which will likely be reflected on your bill.

How do I make the energy monitor work once I receive it?

After borrowing an energy monitor from the library, connect it to a power source in your home. Turn it on and call 855-350-1464 to activate the link between it and your home’s smart meter.

Why does the reading on my home energy monitor not exactly match my Fort Collins Utilities electric bill?

Your electric bill is calculated using your “official” electricity usage and includes any applicable taxes and charges.

The Peak Partners Home Energy Monitor provides a close approximation of your electricity usage in real-time and an approximation of your electricity usage up to the previous day. The device is intended to help you understand where, when and how you are using electricity so that you can more easily save energy and money.

Privacy FAQs

Does Fort Collins Utilities know if I’m home or away?

No. The data collected does not indicate whether people are present in their homes. The energy monitor only collects whole house energy (kWh) and power (kW) use.

What data is collected?

The energy monitor device collects whole house energy usage from the electric meter in your home. However, the data collected in the energy monitor is not transmitted back to Utilities, nor is it used for billing purposes.

How long is the data kept?

The data stored in the energy monitor is deleted after the device is returned to the library.

How will the collected data be used?

The data collected by the home energy monitor device is only used by the customer using the device.

Will the collected data be sold?

No. The collected data will not be sold to any third party.

How is the data protected?

Fort Collins Utilities takes data privacy very seriously and complies with local, state and federal laws to protect our customers’ personal data and information. All customer information,including personal data, utility use and more, are strictly protected. Fort Collins Utilities is subject to the Colorado Open Records Act and Fort Collins Municipal Code, which govern the accessibility of public records. Utilities is also subject to the Red Flags Rules of the FACT Act (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003), which requires creditors to create and implement a program to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft.

PRPA

Who is Platte River Power Authority (Platte River)?

Platte River is jointly owned by Fort Collins, Loveland, Longmont and Estes Park and supplies the energy for these cities. For more information, visit prpa.org/about-prpa.

What is this new program with Platte River Power Authority?

Fort Collins Utilities and Longmont Power and Communication are partnering with Platte River to bring further value to the communities by coordinating electric peak avoidance and optimizing generation resources across the region.

How is it different from before and what are the benefits?

Until summer of 2017, the Peak Partners program delivered peak avoidance benefits to the City of Fort Collins only. This new approach will deliver peak avoidance benefits and better generation resource management to the whole Northern Colorado region. Expected benefits include contractually guaranteed peak avoidance costs, optimized generation resource management, reduced electric transmission stress and renewable integration support.

As a Peak Partners participant, what should I expect?

Conservation events will still last between two and three hours and the total number of events per year will be like the previous program. The most notable difference for participating customers will likely be the timing of conservation events. The familiar pattern of late afternoon to early evening conservation events might change to better fit the actual system needs from an electricity transmission and generation perspective.

Can I still override events?

Yes, you still can override events, just as before. You can override twice per summer via the portal. If you need further overrides, please call 855-350-1464.

Do I have to participate in this new program?

If you’d like to remain a part of Peak Partners, yes. To see the maximum benefit for the Northern Colorado electric grid, all Peak Partners resources and Longmont Power and Communication resources are pooled together into this new program. On an individual basis, one participant’s contribution may be small, but when all program participants are joined together, the combined system impacts are significant and provide real system benefits.

Privacy FAQs

What data is shared with Platte River?

Platte River will have full access to the Peak Partners Program information as it is currently available to Fort Collins Utilities, including participating customers’ energy usage, name, address, phone number and email. Financial and payment information will not be shared with Platte River and your account information will not be shared with any third parties.

How will the collected data be used?

Platte River and Utilities’ staff analyze this data to refine the Peak Partners program and optimize benefits to both participants and the utility system. The collected data will not be given or sold to any third parties.

How is the data protected?

Fort Collins Utilities takes data privacy very seriously and complies with local, state and federal laws to protect our customers’ personal data and information. All customer information – including personal data, utility use and more – are strictly protected. Fort Collins Utilities is subject to the Colorado Open Records Act and Fort Collins Municipal Code, which govern the accessibility of public records, and the Red Flags Rules of the FACT Act (Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act of 2003), which requires creditors to create and implement a program to detect, prevent and mitigate identity theft.

Fort Collins Utilities may provide Platte River (as an agent of the City of Fort Collins) with confidential utility customer information to the extent required solely for implementation of the applicable demand response program. Platte River agrees to keep such information confidential and will not disclose any information, except as required by law.

Smart Water Heater Program

What is the Smart Charging Program?

EV ownership is rapidly increasing. The program is designed to protect the grid and reduce our carbon footprint by routinely shifting EV charge times to off-peak and lower demand hours, particularly when wind is our primary carbon-free energy resource.

Who is eligible to participate?

To be eligible to participate, applicants must be Fort Collins Light and Power residential customers and must own one of the qualifying EVs listed below:

MAKE	MODEL	YEAR
BMW	i3	2017+
	i4	2021+
	i7	2023+
	iX	2021+
Ford	F-150 Lightning	2022+
Ford	Mustang Mach-e	2021+
Jaguar	I-Pace	2019+
Land Rover	Range Rover PHEV P400e	2019+
Land Rover	Range Rover Sport PHEV P400e	2019+
Lexus	RX 450h PHEV	2023+
Lexus	RZ	2023+
Mini	SE Hardtop	2020+
Tesla	Model 3	2017+
	Model S	2012+
	Model X	2016+
	Model Y	2020+
Toyota	Prius Prime	2021+
Toyota	Rav4 Prime	2021+
Volkswagen	e-Golf	2019-2020

What information will I need to provide to register and give access to my car’s telematics?

Applicants will simply need to log in to their car manufacturer’s app and agree to authorize the EV’s participation in the program.

After application and registration, how will I be notified that I am a participant?

Registered applicants will receive email confirmation.

When can I charge my car?

Feel free to plug in any time. The program delays or interrupts charging from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. every day (weekends and holidays included), but will then automatically start or resume your charging at 1 a.m. So, come home, plug in, and forget it. The program does the rest.

Can I override the program’s delay or interruption?

Yes. If circumstance requires, participants may override the program for that session using the program app.

What happens if there is no wind and I need a full charge?

Our wind resources are located north of Fort Collins. In the very rare event of having no wind in Wyoming, your EV battery will be charged with other energy resources, giving priority to hydro and then by carbon-based electricity, if necessary. Your vehicle will not be stranded.

What will happen if my vehicle is nearly empty during non-charging hours?

If your car’s battery is below 20%, your EV will automatically override any delayed charging session.

When will I receive payment for my participation?

Participants will receive $10 reward each month, payable every 6 months.

How does my participation in the program benefit Fort Collins?

By shifting your charge time to hours when higher wind-sourced energy is available, you reduce strain on the grid and use lower carbon fuel. After 1 a.m., you’ll be charging with carbon-free wind energy. Your vehicle will then run with the wind, creating a cleaner environment for us all.