Nest thermostats showing gold gear icons

[Sirk]

Lately my nest thermostats are showing gold gear icons. Sometimes they show it as the entire main screen, sometimes it's part of the status. Google says this should only happen if I have signed  up for a rewards program of some kind. I have not. This started about Dec 1 2021.

What does it mean? There's literally no information out there.

[kiltguy2112 · Accepted solution]

That is definitely what happens if you have some sort of energy program with your energy provider.

[Sirk]

Your answer seems right but I definitely have not enrolled in any programs. I have seen a few prompts from Nest to enroll but didn't take them up on it. My Nest account doesn't show any enrollments either. 

[Sirk]

You were right. Even though I never accepted being part of any programs, Nest turned it on anyway. I hate that they just handed a third party control over my devices.

[iameline]

Same thing happened to me while I was away for Christmas -- almost killed a pet. Can't get a straight answer from google / nest on how to prevent them or some other third party from changing the setpoints on MY thermostat. Short of throwing it in the trash.

[kiltguy2112]

You didn't by chance get your thermostat from your energy provider? I signed up for seasonal saving with my provider so I know we're mine Gomes from 

[Jet_Lag]

Same thing has happened today with my Nest Thermostat installed about two years ago!

No energy program with my energy provider.

Changed the temperature and the icon disappeared! No notification on the iOS App!

Checked Google Nest app on my PC and see that the icon may be referring to Seasonal Savings - a message I received on 4 December!!

I think that is the real solution!

[Jet_Lag]

NOTE: Pictures were right way up on original posting. My apologies if they are not now! Glitch in the system, perhaps?

On 26th December my Nest was showing this info...SEASONAL SAVINGS....

On selecting More Info .....this message was displayed! It indicates that there is some form of partnership with customers! I certainly have no partnership with my energy supplier so am assuming that because I am a Nest user I have some form of partnership which means that SEASONAL SAVINGS can fine-tune my schedule (supposedly to save energy)!