Massachusetts public power utility Chicopee Electric Light has joined the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company’s NextZero Connected Homes program, the utility reported in its Winter 2024 newsletter.
The demand response program leverages smart device technology “into cost savings for CEL and our customers,” wrote Dan Faille, General Manager, in his Message from the General Manager column in the newsletter.
“This is a voluntary program for our customers who own Wi-Fi connected appliances and devices, including Wi-Fi thermostats, electric vehicle chargers, electric water heaters, mini-split controllers, and residential batteries,” he noted.
By enrolling a device into Connected Homes, a customer agrees to allow Connected Homes to make brief, limited adjustments to the device’s electricity usage during times of peak electric demand. This allows CEL to better manage its electric demand, maintain competitive rates, and keep the lights on, he said.
“Participating in Connected Homes is completely voluntary and customers who choose to do so have the opportunity to earn monthly rewards that are paid out each quarter,” wrote Faille.
Customers are notified of possible adjustments in advance via email and text and given the option to opt out.
MMWEC, a joint action agency, launched its NextZero program to help public power communities accelerate decarbonization. The NextZero program will replace residential, commercial and industrial energy efficiency programs in alignment with a shift in focus to a carbon-free future.
CEP is a member utility of MMWEC.
