Colorado resident barred from lowering thermostat during record heat wave

During a recent heat wave that pushed temperatures in Colorado to 100 °F, Kyri Baker discovered she could not lower her thermostat after enrolling in Xcel Energy’s Saver’s Switch program. When she attempted to change the setting from 79 °F to a cooler 75 °F, the utility replied that the regional grid was under too much stress to permit the adjustment. The program, which offers a $40 monthly credit, allows Xcel to temporarily shut off air-conditioning for 15-20-minute periods while keeping fans on, typically between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Baker, a civil and environmental engineering professor, argued that being locked at around 80 °F is unsafe, especially for seniors or those with health issues.

Xcel maintains most participants do not notice the brief interruptions. The case underscores the strain on outdated electricity infrastructure during extreme heat, a problem also noted by New York’s mayor, who urged residents to set AC units to 78 °F to ease grid load.