Connected Homes is a program offered to customers of Sterling Municipal Light Department (SMLD) that leverages the technology of smart appliances and devices into cost savings for the light department and its customers. The program allows SMLD 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 incentive checks quarterly 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 | Audi 2022+, Hyundai 2017+, Jaguar 2016+, Land Rover 2016+, Toyota 2017+, Tesla 2012+, Volkswagen 2014+ | $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 |
*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 residential battery? SMLD offers rebates on battery systems through the NextZero Battery Program.
Interested in purchasing a Wi-Fi thermostat? SMLD 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, SMLD 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 incentive checks for their participation in Connected Homes. Checks will be issued once per quarter.
