Makes me wonder how hard it would be to either just snip the control circuit from the utility provided thermostat to your AC unit and run your own in its place while retaining the discount, or setup an rPi or such as a MITM and intercept the control commands.
Alternatively: just don't overthink things and install a mini-split/window unit/small portable that doesn't get connected to the house thermostat in the first place.
Alternatively: just don't overthink things and install a mini-split/window unit/small portable that doesn't get connected to the house thermostat in the first place.