Understanding Nest thermostat basics is the first step to appreciating how easy Nest Renew makes it to support clean energy. The following questions and answers should provide helpful information on your way to building a clean energy future.
1. How much does Nest Renew cost?
Nest Renew1 is free to join and includes a feature called Energy Shift,2 which works with your compatible Nest thermostat to help you automatically prioritize usage of cleaner3 or less expensive4 energy. Users also get access to monthly challenges, energy saving tips, and the ability to extend their impact by helping direct Nest Renew funds to a range of nonprofit partners across the country.5
For those who want to do even more to extend their positive impact, Nest Renew Premium is available for $10 per month. Premium includes all the features of Renew, but unlocks Clean Energy Match — an innovative way to support the growth of clean energy. With Clean Energy Match, Google purchases renewable energy credits (RECs) that match the fossil fuel electricity used in your home with enough clean energy to cover the average U.S. household.6
2. Do I need a thermostat to join Nest Renew?
Yes, a compatible Nest thermostat is required to join. These include the 3rd generation Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Thermostat E, or the newest Nest Thermostat (sold separately), connected to a Google Account. If you already have a Nest thermostat but are unsure which model it is, you can check here.
3. How do Nest thermostats and Nest Renew support a more sustainable future?
Google Nest thermostats are designed with the environment in mind. The Nest thermostat is manufactured from recycled materials to reduce waste. Its plastic parts contain 49% recycled post-consumer material. Additionally, the majority of Nest thermostats enable Energy Shift,2 letting you automatically shift your usage to times when your power is cleaner.3 You can adjust thermostat temperature settings for short intervals (usually 30 - 45 minutes) so you can use more energy when it's predicted to be cleaner, or restrict your usage when energy is predicted to be less clean.3
Energy Shift also works in conjunction with your Nest thermostat to prioritize usage of less expensive energy.4
Lastly, there's Clean Energy Match. Available as part of Nest Renew Premium, this feature matches the fossil fuel electricity used in your home with enough clean energy to cover the average U.S. household. This is done with purchases of renewable energy credits from U.S. wind and solar.6
4. How does 'Your Power' work?
Energy from a mix of sources provides the electricity for your home. Some of these sources are fossil fuels such as coal and gas, while others are renewable sources such as wind and solar. The grid draws power from a mix of renewable and non-renewable sources. Nest Renew helps you see when the electricity coming into your home is cleaner, and when it's not so clean, so you can make more informed choices about how you use energy.3
Even taking small actions, like turning off extra lights or running the laundry a little later, can start to add up.
5. What if my utility offers their own clean or renewable energy option?
If you enroll in a local program as well as Nest Renew Premium, you can amplify your impact even further.
Nest Renew Premium does not replace or affect the service you receive from your provider. Even if you receive a renewable energy service from your provider or have solar panels on your home, Google will still purchase RECs for you.6
6. Does Nest Renew offer customer support?
Google provides online troubleshooting guides, a community resource where you can interact with other Nest thermostat advocates. Alternatively, you can communicate directly with our support team by phone.
7. Does Nest Renew replace your utility?
No, Nest Renew does not replace your utility company. It is a service from Google that complements the electric service you receive from your local utility. Nest Renew does not provide you with electricity or require you to switch utility providers or make changes to your electric or gas service.
8. Does Nest Renew deliver clean energy to your home?
No, Nest Renew does not deliver electricity. Your local utility still distributes the power from the grid to your home. Nest Renew can help you shift your consumption of that power, and gives you the ability to see when energy is cleaner and less clean.
9. What are RECs?
Renewable energy credits (RECs) are certificates representing environmental benefits of clean energy production. Renewable energy plants produce energy and RECs when they operate. With Clean Energy Match, Google purchases RECs to match the fossil fuel–generated electricity used in your home with enough clean energy to cover the average U.S. household.6
10. Where does Nest Renew source its RECs from?
Nest Renew's RECs will be sourced from Bethel Wind in Castro County, TX, which also provides renewable energy for Google.
- 1 Nest Renew requires 3rd generation Nest Learning Thermostat, Nest Thermostat E, or the newest Nest Thermostat (sold separately), connected to a Google account. Nest Renew available in select locations.
- 2 Adjustments only shift electricity usage from your heating and cooling.
- 3 Only available in areas served by major continental U.S. grids, see here.
- 4 Only available for customers on certain electric utility time-of-use rates (check availability).
- 5 Learn more about our Energy Impact Program here.
- 6 Learn how this is done with renewable energy credits. Nest Renew will be purchasing RECs from wind and solar plants in the United States. The majority of these RECs will come from our flagship project Bethel Wind in Castro County, TX, with the remainder coming from U.S. solar.
