The Energy Consumer's Bulletin- a New England energy news blog

Your Smart Thermostat Can Help You Make Money—Here’s How

Smart thermostat technology has existed since the early 2000s and is one of the most universally recognized smart technologies on the market. A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi-enabled device that allows you to control your home’s central heating and cooling virtually through an app. They use sensors and data to track your usage patterns and learn about your routine and temperature preferences over time, automatically adjusting when heating and air conditioning run. Smart thermostats can help lower your energy bills and avoid unnecessary energy use when you’re asleep or away from home. It also enables you to have complete control over your thermostat, even when you are away from home, giving you peace of mind.

How Massachusetts Residents Can Get Paid to Help Lower Peak Energy Demand

This blog refers specifically to the ConnectedSolutions program offered by Massachusetts utilities Eversource and National Grid. Program eligibility, incentives, and participating utilities vary by state and utility territory. Other utilities in New England, including Rhode Island Energy, may offer ConnectedSolutions programs with different requirements and benefits.

If you live inEversourceorNational Grid territory, your utility will reward you for helping to shave peak energy demand! When energy consumption is highest—typically during the hottest days of the year— it puts more demand on the electric grid. Hot weather is a major driver of peak demand, as more people turn on their air conditioning to stay cool when temperatures rise.