This is the first time in the program's six year span that customers could not override their smart thermostats, Romine said. He said the "energy emergency" was due to an unexpected outage in Pueblo combined with hot weather and heavy air conditioner usage.

But Talarico said he had no idea that he could be locked out of the thermostat. While he has solar panels and a smart thermostat to save energy, he says he did not sign up to have this much control taken away.

You apparently DID fool. You bought their commie piece of shit.
Everyone, if they're smart, will return every one of these Nazi thermostats to it's master at Xcel. Ask for a full refund..if they won't refund, have a huge Xcel thermo burning party in the street with all of your neighbors. Video it and post it. Get the word out to everyone..that THIS is coming for all of you next.