Connected Homes is a program offered to customers of Princeton Municipal Light Department (PMLD) that leverages the technology of smart appliances and devices into cost savings for the light department and its customers. The program allows PMLD 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.
| 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, Google Nest***, Honeywell/Resideo, Sensi | $5 |
*Toyota Rav4 must be XSE Trim Model
**Customers previously enrolled in the NextZero EV Scheduled Charging Program with any EV charger are not eligible to enroll in Connected Homes until three years from date of enrollment in the Scheduled Charging Program.
***Google and Nest Thermostat are trademarks of Google LLC.
Please note, customers can enroll an electric vehicle OR an EV charger, not both.
Interested in purchasing a Wi-Fi thermostat? PMLD offers rebates on Wi-Fi thermostats through the NextZero Appliance Rebate Program.
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, PMLD 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.
