Reading Municipal Light Department (RMLD) is now offering Connected Homes as part of our effort to Shred the Peak and keep rates low. Our Connected Homes program leverages the technology of smart appliances and devices into cost savings for the RMLD and its customers. The optional program allows RMLD 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 our rates low.
Consistent participation with enrolled devices will qualify customers for a Connected Homes bill credit. Eligible devices and bill credit amounts are listed below. Customers will be issued bill credits quarterly for their enrollment and participation.
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 |
*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, customers will be notified in advance of a possible adjustment by text and email with an option to opt out. Please note multiple ‘opt outs’ will affect your incentive eligibility.
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. If a customer opts out more than two times each month for more than three months in a six month period, they will be unenrolled from Connected Homes and cannot re-enroll for six months. This opt out rule is not applicable to Google Nest devices.
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. Connected Homes may call up to 170 hours of peak events per year. This can range from three to six peak adjustments per month.
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.