Here at Green Energy Consumers Alliance, we talk a lot about the need for managed charging programs for electric vehicles (EVs), both to reduce stress on our electric grid and to incentivize more EV adoption. So, we’re excited to announce that Rhode Island Energy (RIE) has just launched a new Electric Vehicle Demand Response (EVDR) program. Here are all the details and how you can sign up to help reduce grid demand during peak times – and earn up to $70!

What’s “demand response”?

On days when energy demand is highest, known as “peak days,” excess demand for electricity is met with dirty and expensive fuels. Think about those really hot summer days when you’re turning your AC on, your neighbor is turning their AC on, and many other New Englanders are cranking the AC as well.  On these days, reducing the peak lowers greenhouse gas emissions and costs.  

Any strategy to reduce energy demand during these peaks is known as “demand response” – for example, communicating with a smart thermostat or home battery to stop or reduce power draw from the grid. When you’re talking about pausing or reducing demand from an electric vehicle, that’s called “smart” or “managed” charging. 

Our program Shave the Peak empowers consumers to voluntarily use less electricity during peak events through notifications and suggestions on how to reduce your electric demand during those times. Rhode Island Energy runs a series of programs under the umbrella of “ConnectedSolutions” to incentivize the reduction of electricity demand during peak moments, for both residential and commercial entities. It’s cheaper for all of us and less polluting to shift demand from a peak period to a non-peak period than to ‘turn on’ yet another power plant to meet higher demand.

Until recently, ConnectedSolutions was limited to technologies like smart thermostats and home battery systems. Now, it’s open to EV drivers for the first time!

What's the new program? 

You may remember that National Grid once had an off-peak charging rebate; this program is structured differently. Basically, through the Connected Solutions Electric Vehicle Demand Response Program: 

• You enroll through your vehicle or smart charger.
• When a peak day occurs, Rhode Island Energy pauses your charging during key hours (you can override if needed). 
• You receive a $70 incentive for participation at the end of the season.
  

What does a peak event look like?

Frequently Asked Questions

What EVs and EV chargers are eligible?

More information on eligible chargers can be found here. 

What if I enrolled but don’t want to participate during an event? 

Participants can opt-out of participating in peak events at any time by changing EV or EV charger settings. Learn more about how to opt-out based on your EV charger type here. 

For more FAQs, check out this page!

Enroll now! 

Interested parties can enroll through RIE’s website.

• Enrollment can happen at any point, but must be by August 15th, 2025, to receive the additional $20 participation incentive for the season.
• You can unenroll from the program at any point by emailing rienergy@energyhub.com with your name, address, and type of EV or EV charger.

Learn more at our upcoming webinar

Attend our webinar on December 13th at 12:00 PM to learn more!

Questions about the program: rienergy@energyhub.com