In early November, Hoosier Energy hosted the Connect to Save Kickoff Event for member cooperatives.
The event introduced the Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) program, serving as both a training platform and a strategic alignment session.
Connect to Save is a collaboration between the member consumer and the local electric cooperative to reduce energy consumption and lower costs during the coldest and hottest days of the year. It is also a collaboration between Hoosier Energy and its member cooperatives.
Connect to Save supports four original equipment manufacturer smart thermostat platforms: Ecobee, Renew Home (formerly Google Nest), Sensi/Copeland and Honeywell (TCC & Home).
The kickoff event featured several components:
- Introduction of DERMS functionality and operational workflows
- Hands-on training for enrollment, dispatching and reporting
- Marketing resources and incentive strategies
- Future vision for DER integration and expanded device participation
During the event, three OATI (Open Access Technology International) specialists were on-site to facilitate system training, provide technical support and answer participants’ questions. OATI also hosts the online site (oatithermostat.com/tstat/hesg/home)
Hirons, Hoosier Energy’s marketing and advertising partner, presented campaign strategies to optimize marketing efforts and boost member engagement.
Seven co-ops are participating in DERMS beginning at launch on January 1, 2026. They are: Southeastern Indiana REMC, Southern Indiana Power, Wayne-White Counties Electric Cooperative, Harrison REMC, RushShelby Energy, South Central Indiana REMC and Jackson County REMC. Six more members auditing (observing) include Clark County REMC, UDWI, Bartholomew County REMC, Decatur County REMC, Henry County REMC and Whitewater Valley REMC.