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Why Austin Is Requiring Smart Thermostats In New Residential Buildings

The Nest Learning Thermostat, a type of smart thermostat, is displayed at a Home Depot store on Jan. 13, 2014 in San Rafael, Calif. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)
The Nest Learning Thermostat, a type of smart thermostat, is displayed at a Home Depot store on Jan. 13, 2014 in San Rafael, Calif. (Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

Austin, Texas, is looking to cut back on energy use during the hottest times of year by requiring smart thermostats in new homes. Austin Energy, the city’s public utility company, is also offering rebates to customers who allow the company to access their thermostats and adjust them to save energy during peak use times.

Deborah Kimberly, vice president of customer energy solutions at Austin Energy, talks about the benefits of smart thermostats with Here & Now‘s Jeremy Hobson.

Guest

Deborah Kimberly, vice president of customer energy solutions at Austin Energy. The company tweets @austinenergy.

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