Maximize Comfort and Savings: Understanding National Grid's ConnectedSolutions Thermostat Rebates
During periods of peak energy demand, especially in the summer and winter months, homes and small businesses place a significant strain on energy grids. To address this, National Grid offers the ConnectedSolutions program, which provides incentives for customers who use smart thermostats to manage their energy consumption. This program encourages energy conservation, reduces carbon emissions, and helps participants save money.
ConnectedSolutions: How It Works
ConnectedSolutions is designed to reduce energy demand during peak times. Smart thermostats connected to central heating or cooling systems enable the program. During peak demand events, your thermostat may pre-cool or pre-heat your home or business and then automatically adjust the temperature by a few degrees. The goal is to lower energy use while maintaining your comfort. Participants always retain control and can opt out of an event at any time by adjusting the temperature on the thermostat or through the connected phone app.
Electric Program Incentives
For customers with electric central air conditioning systems, the ConnectedSolutions program offers the following incentives:
- Enrollment Incentive: Earn up to $100 upon enrollment. The exact amount depends on your account rate, which can be found on the "Delivery Services" section of your bill.
- Annual Rewards: Receive annual rewards for every thermostat connected to a central cooling system at the end of each electric season after the second year of participation. The annual reward is $20.
After enrolling, you will receive your enrollment incentive as a virtual prepaid card within 4 to 6 weeks of acceptance into the program. Performance incentives are distributed by December 15 after the end of the season.
Gas Program Incentives
The program also offers incentives for customers with natural gas central heating systems:
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- Enrollment Incentive: Earn $25 upon enrollment.
- Annual Rewards: Receive $25 at the end of each gas season after the second year of participation.
Gas program participants receive their performance incentive by June 30.
Dual Fuel Customers
National Grid dual-fuel customers (those using both gas and electricity) can participate in both the gas and electric programs. It is necessary to complete enrollment for each program separately, following the specific instructions for each.
Eligibility Requirements
To participate in ConnectedSolutions, you must have a central heating or cooling system controlled by a thermostat. A natural gas central heating system includes a furnace or boiler that heats the entire home through ducts or radiators. An electric central air conditioner cools the entire home through the same duct system. Unfortunately, those without a central system are ineligible for ConnectedSolutions.
Smart Thermostat Benefits
Beyond the incentives offered by ConnectedSolutions, smart thermostats provide additional benefits:
- Energy Savings: Smart thermostats can save up to $180 on energy costs annually.
- Convenience: Remote control and programmability enhance convenience, allowing you to manage your home's temperature from anywhere.
- Carbon Emission Reduction: By using less energy, smart thermostats help reduce your carbon footprint.
How to Enroll
Enrollment in ConnectedSolutions is available through approved smart thermostat partners. The program is designed for Electric or Dual Fuel customers.
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Important Considerations
- Ecobee Thermostats: Customers with ecobee thermostats can only enroll in either the gas or electric programs, but not both, due to device configuration limitations.
- Program Independence: The ConnectedSolutions gas and electric programs operate independently, with winter rewards focused on reducing natural gas demand and electric rewards focused on summer demand reduction.
- Clean Peak Energy Credits (CPECs): Participation in ConnectedSolutions events is associated with Clean Peak Energy Credits (CPECs), which are assigned to the Mass Save Sponsors and their partners to help meet legal requirements under the Massachusetts Clean Peak Standard. This does not affect your participation incentives.
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