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.

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.

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. 

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

*Toyota Rav4 must be XSE Trim Model

**HG&E offers a $5 monthly incentive for EV chargers for plug-in hybrid EVs and a $10 monthly incentive for chargers for fully electric vehicles. Customers can receive incentives for vehicles OR chargers, not both.

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

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.