The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has opened a formal review of a proposed “Bring Your Own Device” demand response tariff involving the Village of New Glarus and 26 other community-owned electric utilities. The action does not approve the program, but starts the commission’s standard process for gathering information before deciding whether to allow it.

For New Glarus, the proposal could eventually create a voluntary program allowing electric customers to enroll compatible smart thermostats they already own and receive a small annual incentive in return for limited, temporary adjustments during periods of high electricity demand.