Cassopolis based energy company Midwest Energy and Communications has had a busy month, unveiling not one but two new offerings to the public in the month of October.

Last week, MEC launched ViewLocal, a streaming service. The company also began to offer a Nest thermostat option to its customers, complete with a rewards program for using the smart device.

“We are trying to keep on top of things and keep Midwest ahead of the curve in terms of technology,” said Vice President of Corporate Communications for MEC Patty Nowlin.

The first new initiative launched was ViewLocal.

ViewLocal is an app available for smartphones, tablets and TVs, including Roku devices and smart TVs. Once a customer signs up for ViewLocal, they will be able to access local channels, including local news stations and basic cable networks such as Fox and CBS, over the internet through the app.

Nearly 20 channels will be available to stream through ViewLocal.

The advantage of ViewLocal, said Vice President of Marketing Candy Riem, is that it can allow to fully cut out cable as more and more people begin to rely on “over the top” streaming services, such Netflix, Hulu, HBO and Amazon Prime.

“It can allow people to really cut the cord, but not loose those local channels that they love,” Riem said. “We’ve heard from our customer, and we keep hearing, that they want to try going fully over the top, but they don’t want to loose their local channels. ViewLocal can provide that for them.”

Another draw of ViewLocal is that it will allow customers to tailor their TV package to their viewing habits and only pay for the shows they watch, rather than paying a hefty cable or satellite bill for shows they do not watch.

“People are paying a lot of money for only a handful of channels they actually watch. We hear that all the time,” Nowlin said. “Even I say that. I don’t want 200 channels. I only want about six channels. So,this is giving people exactly what they want. People can take a look at what they watch and see, which over the top options work for them.”

The service will cost $19.95 a month.

Riem and Nowlin said they are aware that many people can access local channels for free with an antenna. However, they believe that many will find the service worth the price, if for no other reason that antennas can be unreliable in rural areas.

“A lot of people don’t want to mess with an antenna. They want everything in one place. So, that what this is doing,” Riem said. “Say you have a Roku. If you bring up your channel lineup, your local channels will be right there with your Netflix or your Amazon. It just makes everything easier. It’s all about ease and convenience.”

The second product that MEC rolled out this month is a Nest thermostat program.

Nest thermostats are a brand of smart thermostat that connects to wifi and can learn the behaviors of the user as they adjust it.

“If you get up at 7 a.m., it knows you get up at 7 a.m., so it can preheat or precool the home for you,” Riem said. “It can also reduce energy consumption when you are not home.”

By partnering directly with Nest, MEC is offering Nest directly to customers for $50 off market price of $249, with the option for a $100 instant rebate. The cost will be added directly to a customer’s electric bill. The first 100 people to purchase a Nest thermostat through MEC will receive an additional $50 off.

“Providing this technology at a reduced rate is all about making it more available and cost efficient for customer,” Riem said. “This thermostat is one of the home modification things people are really picking up on and it can really help people manage their energy costs.”

With the Nest thermostat, customers will have the option to join Rush Hour Rewards through MEC. By joining Rush Hour Rewards, customers would receive two $25 credits a year for allowing MEC to control your thermostat during times when the demand for energy is high. The Nest would be able to keep the home comfortable while MEC controls the thermostat, which is scheduled to up to three times a week for two to four hours at a time. The control periods will only happen 15 times a season.

“It’s great because you are helping out to keep your costs low,” Riem said.

Both Riem and Nowlin said they are excited for the roll out of their new products and that they believe they signify a new era for MEC.

“These are really exciting initiatives, because they are the first services that bring our internet and our electric service together,” Riem said. “All of this is for our customers. These are things they initially asked for and we are excited to bring to them and give them the best service possible.”