RMLD is now offering an innovative demand response program – Connected Homes – to allow residential customers to more effectively manage their energy use.
READING, MA – RMLD is pleased to announce the introduction of Connected Homes, an innovative residential demand response program that allows residential customers to better manage Wi-Fi-connected devices in their homes while reducing their carbon footprint.
RMLD is partnering with Next Zero to bring Connected Homes to RMLD customers and to support further electrification and clean energy transition efforts. The program is part of RMLD’s Shred the Peak demand response and load reduction initiative, an effort to put less stress on the electric grid, while reducing carbon emissions. Through participation in Connected Homes, RMLD customers can easily and conveniently manage their home’s energy use.
By enrolling a smart device in the Connected Homes program, RMLD residential customers agree to allow brief, limited adjustments to their devices during times of peak electric demand, such as temporarily reducing the charging rate of an electric vehicle during peak hours. Customers are informed of possible adjustments in advance through email or text message and have the option to opt out on a case-by-case basis. Enrolled customers are compensated for their continued participation through a quarterly bill credit.
“The Connected Homes program is another critical step taken by RMLD to support our customers as they pursue further electrification.” According to Gregory Phipps, RMLD general manager. “The proactive load demand response will add to our efforts to keep rates low and reduce carbon emissions. We are excited about this partnership with MMWEC and Next Zero and the potential here.”
”Connected Homes allows individuals to help their light department by making smart decisions about using less energy when electricity is the most expensive,” says Zoe Eckert, Sustainable Energy Program & Policy Senior Manager at MMWEC. “Reducing your energy usage during those handful of hours a month is seamless with Connected Homes and makes a big impact for your community.”
RMLD joins 15 other MLPs currently participating in Connected Homes, including those in Belmont, Chicopee, Hingham, Holden, Holyoke, Ipswich, Mansfield, Marblehead, Peabody, Princeton, Shrewsbury, South Hadley, Sterling, Wakefield, and West Boylston.
Specific brands and models of thermostats, home batteries, electric vehicle chargers, electric hot water heaters, and mini-split controllers are eligible for incentives under the program.
RMLD customers can get details and enroll at rmld.com.
