‘It’s not compulsory — yet’: Jake says ‘no way in heck’ he would agree to WA utilities controlling his thermostat

While The Seattle Times reported Washington utilities are exploring cutting energy costs by remotely controlling thermostats during spikes, KIRO host Jake Skorheim said there is “no way in heck” he would allow that.

“No way in heck I do this,” Jake said on “The Jake and Spike Show” on KIRO Newsradio. “I just don’t want them telling me: number one, if they turned it at 60, that’s 15 degrees less than what my wife likes the house at 75.”

In contrast, KIRO host Spike O’Neill said he loves the idea of having his thermostat remotely controlled by electric companies.

“First off, this is an opt-in program,” Spike said. “There’s been a pilot program that’s already been run by Puget Sound Energy and Seattle City Light. It’s not compulsory. And there’s, there’s a rate reduction incentive.”

“It’s not compulsory — yet,” Jake chimed in.

WA utilities could save millions by remotely adjusting thermostats

Spike explained that if the city can get a portion of residents to relinquish control of their thermostats, allowing the city to adjust temperatures during periods of excessive heat or cold, it could save millions.

“Puget Sound Energy, whatever it might be, they can experience real savings. We’re talking at some peak moments, they can save half a million dollars an hour,” he said. “And you hope that results in overall rate reductions for all consumers, because when they need more power, they certainly jack the prices up.”

A homeowner who took part in a pilot program told The Seattle Times he barely noticed his thermostat adjusting. The media outlet said all but two of the 70 people who responded to its questionnaire said they supported the program. Many said they were more motivated by sustainability than financial incentives.

“Most of these people are do-gooders,” Jake said.

“They said, ‘It’s not, it’s not about the money,'” Spike said. “It’s that virtue signaling.”

Listen to “The Jake and Spike Show” weekdays from noon to 3 p.m. on KIRO Newsradio 97.3 FM. Subscribe to the podcast here.