Connected Homes

Connected Homes is a program offered to customers of Holyoke Gas and Electric (HG&E) that leverages the technology of smart appliances and devices into cost savings for the light department and its customers. The program allows HG&E to better manage its electric load, reduce costs, and keep rates low.

Enrollment Details

By enrolling a smart device in the Connected Homes Program, customers agree to allow Connected Homes to make limited adjustments to their devices during times of peak electric demand, such as temporarily turning up the thermostat temperature setting during summer peak hours.

When a peak is being called, customers will receive a text and email alerting them to any device adjustments. 

Customers will have the option to occasionally opt out of a peak event adjustment through a text response. Peak reduction efforts can help keep rates low.

In regard to Electric Vehicles, the Connected Homes program only has access to a customer’s name, address, when a device is on or off at home, and how much electricity that device is consuming.  Manufacturers have their own privacy terms with device owners, unrelated to the Connected Homes program.  By signing up for Connected Homes, the device owner may be changing their level of privacy with the manufacturer.
For Tesla vehicles only: Please note that while the Tesla app does not explicitly state this, check boxes 1, 2 and 4 are the only required selections for enrollment on the sign-up page.

Please NOTE: Google only allows for summer-month program participation for its Nest brand thermostats. Enrolled Nest devices will receive incentives during summer months only. Non-Nest thermostat brands will receive incentives year round only if they control central air conditioning in the summer and electric heat in the winter. 

Eligible Devices

Refer to the table below to learn which devices and brands are eligible for participation in Connected Homes.

Smart DevicesQualifying BrandsMonthly Incentive
BatteryDuracell, Emporia$30
Electric VehicleAcura 2024+, Audi 2019+, BMW 2017+, Hyundai 2017+, Jaguar 2019+, Kia 2017-2021, Land Rover 2019-2021, Lexus 2023+, Mini 2020+, Nissan 2023+, Tesla 2012+, Toyota 2021+*, Volkswagen 2020+$10
Electric Vehicle Charger**ChargePoint, Emporia$10
Electric Hot Water HeaterGE, Rheem$5
Mini-Split ControllerFlair, Sensibo$5 - $8
Wi-Fi ThermostatAmazon, Google Nest***, Honeywell/Resideo, Sensi$5 - $8

*Toyota Rav4 must be XSE Trim Model

**Customers can receive incentives for vehicles OR chargers, not both.

***Google and Nest Thermostat are trademarks of Google LLC.

What are Peak Events?

Simply put, a “Peak Event” is a time when demand on the electric grid is at its highest. There are 13 peak hours each year – one annual peak and 12 monthly peaks. When a peak usage hour is predicted, Connected Homes calls a “Peak Event.”

Why is reducing Peak Electric Use important?

There are both economic and environmental reasons why Reducing the Peak is important. First, prices of wholesale electricity (the price your light department pays for electricity) soar during peak hours. The more your light department spends on power, the higher its rates will have to be. Every watt of electricity that isn’t used represents great savings, and therefore lower rates that you’ll pay for electricity.  And, in order to supply the large peak electric demand during a Peak, older, dirtier, power generating plants are used. Reducing the Peak means these plants won’t need to be used as much.

Why is Connected Homes important?

To reduce Peak Electric Use, Connected Homes makes short, limited adjustments to your enrolled smart devices. Each device’s participation helps to reduce electric use, saves money for the light departments, and reduces the use of old generating plants. Every device that opts out (or doesn’t participate in an event) reduces the benefits your light department gains from the program.  These benefits are why your light department offers the monthly participation reward. Please think twice before opting out of an event. 

MassCEC Bidirectional Charger Incentive

Do you own a Ford F-150 Lighting 2022-2025 or a Nissan Leaf 2013-2025? You may be eligible to apply for a FREE bidirectional charger through MassCEC with all costs of installation covered. Applications are open through July 31. Learn more.

Connected Homes Frequently Asked Questions

Can I enroll multiple devices?

Yes, customers are able to enroll multiple devices in the NextZero Connected Homes Program. However, only one incentive is provided for water heaters, HVAC controls and Wi-Fi thermostats. For example, if two Wi-Fi thermostats are enrolled, an incentive for only one thermostat will be provided. Another limit is that either an EV charger or an EV itself can be enrolled, but not both.

How are HVAC seasonal controls device incentives unique?

HG&E offers a single rebate for all HVAC controls in the home. Bill credits for all HVAC controls in the home will be $8 during the summer (June through September) for central AC and heat pump customers only, and $5 in the winter (October through April) only for customers that heat with electricity.

Will I be notified before an adjustment is made? How will I be notified?

Yes, HG&E will notify its customers in advance of a possible adjustment. Customers will be notified of upcoming adjustments via email. 

Can I decide to opt out of an adjustment?

Yes, customers will be given the opportunity to opt out when they are notified about an upcoming adjustment. 

How many adjustments should I anticipate?

Adjustments will occur on peak days which are determined by the Independent System Operator-New England and the local transmission provider. NextZero may call up to 170 hours of peak events per year. This is approximately five to six peak events/adjustments per month, though the actual number of peak events may vary and will in many months be three to four times.

How will I be paid for my participation?

Customers will receive quarterly bill credits for their participation in Connected Homes.