Apparatus and methods of using card based programmable controllers

A method of using a programmable controller for operating an environmental control system, the method comprising:

• positioning the programmable controller in a room, the programmable controller comprising a body, a controller member, a sensor member, and a removable memory card;
• removing the removable memory card from the body of the programmable controller;
• programming the removable memory card and reinserting the removable memory card into the body of the programmable controller;
• and
• sending a control signal to the environmental control system based upon data generated from the sensor member and program data in the removable memory card.

A method for managing an amount of energy units used by a user, the method comprising:

• providing the user with a programmable controller for operating an environmental control system, wherein the programmable controller includes a removable memory card;
• interviewing the user to determine user preferences;
• removing the memory card and programming the memory card based upon user preferences;
• inserting the memory card into the programmable controller;
• and
• controlling the energy units used by the user by sending control signals from the programmable controller to the environmental control system based upon programmed data.

A method of providing a pre-programmed memory card for use with a programmable controller in order to manage the amount of energy units used, the method comprising:

• interviewing the user to determine user preferences;
• programming the memory card based upon user preferences;
• delivering the memory card to the user;
• and
• billing the user for the energy units used.