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 brief, limited adjustments to their devices during times of peak electric demand, such as temporarily turning off an electric vehicle charger during peak hours.
Customers will be informed of possible adjustments in advance via email and will be given the choice to opt out.
Customers who decide to participate in adjustments will be given an incentive check/bill credit.
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 | Generac | $30 |
| Battery | Sonnen | $30 |
| Electric Vehicle Charger* | ChargePoint | $10 |
| Electric Vehicle Charger* | Enel X JuiceBox | $10 |
| Electric Hot Water Heater | GE | $5 |
| Electric Hot Water Heater | Rheem | $5 |
| Mini-Split Controller | Flair | $5 |
| Mini-Split Controller | Sensibo | $5 |
| Wi-Fi Thermostat | Google Nest** | $5 |
| Wi-Fi Thermostat | Honeywell/Resideo | $5 |
*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.
Interested in purchasing a W-Fi thermostat? PMLD offers rebates on Wi-Fi thermostats through the NextZero Appliance Rebate Program.
Can I enroll multiple devices?
Yes, 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.
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.
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. Customers who choose to opt out of an adjustment will not be issued an incentive for that month.
How many adjustments should I anticipate and when in the day will they occur?
Customers can expect between two to three adjustments per month, though as many as five could occur. The hours vary depending on the season, but typically adjustments occur between 4 and 8 p.m.
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 incentive checks for their participation in Connected Homes. Checks will be issued once per quarter.
