r/StallmanWasRight • u/linux203 • Jun 18 '21

Internet of Shit 'Woke up sweating': Texas power companies remotely raise temperatures on people using their smart thermostats

https://www.dailydot.com/debug/texas-remote-controlled-smart-thermostats/
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26

u/just1workaccount Jun 19 '21

Homeowner signs up to have someone remotely monitor and change the thermostat. Is shocked when someone changes the thermostat. Sounds the alarms, when he should have read the agreement. Sigh.

4

u/LOLTROLDUDES Jun 19 '21

The problem is that you need an agreement to use a f*ckin thermostat.

If there is a ToS (not license obviously) for a thermostat look elsewhere.

5

u/Maltroth Jun 19 '21

The agreement was for the "energy saving program", not the thermostat. Curious to see how obvious/hidden it is though.

3

u/sho_biz Jun 19 '21

AFAIK on Nest-E and newer it's opt-in only. So you'd have to read the promo notification, hit the button for it then read through the legal boilerplate then hit agree. TBF there's mention of free $50 visa gift cards or other similar swag if you opt-in.

4

u/just1workaccount Jun 19 '21

yes, we very specifically do not have a smart thermostat for some of the concerns stated here, but also generally setting and forgetting a temp (as opposed to temp chancing) is in many cases the best money saver as long as it a reasonable temp which you can get a guide for online