Connected Homes is a program offered to customers of Mansfield Municipal Electric Department (MMED) that leverages the technology of smart appliances and devices into cost savings for the light department and its customers. The program allows MMED 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 brief, limited adjustments to their devices during times of peak electric demand, such as temporarily turning off an electric vehicle charger during peak hours.
To qualify for the Connected Homes credit, the device must be enrolled in the program. When a peak is being called, customers will receive a text and email alerting them to device adjustments.
Customers will be informed of possible adjustments in advance via text and email. Customers will be issued quarterly bill credits for their enrollment.
Refer to the table below to learn which devices and brands are eligible for participation in Connected Homes.
| Smart Devices | Qualifying Brands | Monthly Incentive |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | Duracell, Emporia | $30 |
| Electric Vehicle | Acura 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 Heater | GE, Rheem | $5 |
| Mini-Split Controller | Flair, Sensibo | $5 |
| Wi-Fi Thermostat | Amazon, Honeywell/Resideo, Sensi | $5 |
| Wi-Fi Thermostat | Google Nest* | up to $5 |
*Notice for Google Nest customers: Effective January 1st, 2025, GOOGLE NEST customers will have their monthly incentive calculated as a result of the number of Google Nest customers who participated in the given event. For example, if 50 out of 100 enrolled MMED Google Nest customers participate in an event, NextZero would multiply the participating customers (50) by the $5 incentive amount, resulting in $250 in total incentives earned by Google Nest customers. This $250 would then be evenly distributed amongst all enrolled MMED Google Nest customers ($2.50/customer). This change is a result in Google Nest not sharing information as to which specific device participates in an event.
Google and Nest Thermostat are trademarks of Google LLC.
Can I enroll multiple devices?
Yes, in most cases, customers are able to enroll multiple devices in the NextZero Connected Homes Program and will receive incentives for each device that is enrolled and participates in adjustments. The exception is that either an EV charger or an EV itself can be enrolled, but not both.
Will I be notified before an adjustment is made? How will I be notified?
Yes, MMED will notify its customers in advance of a possible adjustment. Customers will be notified of upcoming adjustments via email.
What do I do if I need to opt out of an adjustment?
When notified of a peak electric demand adjustment, customers will be given an opt out link in both text and email format. To opt out of an adjustment, either click one of those links or adjust the device’s settings back to the preferred state.
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.
With a home battery system, will all of my battery’s charge be pulled during an adjustment?
No more than 80% of a customer’s battery will be drawn down during an adjustment.
How will I be paid for my participation?
Customers will be given bill credits for their participation in Connected Homes. Bill credits will be issued once per quarter.
