ConnectedSolutions
Rhode Island Energy's ConnectedSolutions program manages electricity use during peak demand periods — particularly on hot summer days when the grid is under the most stress. By reducing demand at these critical times, the program lowers energy costs, decreases pollution from peaker plants, and helps prevent blackouts and brownouts across New England.
"Peak demand" is the highest amount of electricity consumed in a single hour. New England's grid operator (ISO-NE) must ensure the region has enough generation capacity to meet this peak, and the infrastructure built to serve those few peak hours drives a significant share of every customer's electric bill. Demand response programs like ConnectedSolutions reduce that peak, saving money for everyone.
ConnectedSolutions for Residents
Rhode Island Energy offers three residential demand response programs:
1. Thermostat Program
Enroll your qualified Wi-Fi thermostat to participate in summer peak events. Rhode Island Energy sends automatic signals to precool your home by 2°F before a peak event and raise the thermostat by 4°F during the event. You can opt out of any event at any time.
Incentive: $50 virtual prepaid MasterCard per thermostat, plus $20 annual MasterCard for each thermostat connected to central AC or a heat pump. Must be enrolled by August 15 to receive the current season's incentive.
Visit Rhode Island Energy's Thermostat Program
2. Electric Vehicle Demand Response
Enroll your EV or EV charger to allow brief charging adjustments during peak demand periods.
Incentive: $50 virtual prepaid MasterCard plus $20 annual MasterCard per enrolled EV or charger.
Visit Rhode Island Energy's EV Demand Response Program
3. Battery Program
Enroll your home battery storage system. Rhode Island Energy discharges your battery during high-demand events and pays you a performance-based incentive each summer.
Incentive: $225 per average kW performed each summer. Customers can lock in their rate for the first five summers of enrollment. Some battery implementers may offer additional upfront discounts in exchange for receiving the seasonal incentives.
*You can participate in both the Battery Program and the Solar System Program — participating in both does not reduce your incentives in either program.*
Visit Rhode Island Energy's Battery Program
For battery participation questions, email rienergy@energyhub.com.
ConnectedSolutions for Commercial & Industrial Customers
Rhode Island Energy offers two C&I pathways: Daily Dispatch and Targeted Dispatch. Customers can choose one or enroll in both ("Dual Enrollment"). Participants are compensated per average kW reduced.
Eligibility: C&I customers in rate classes C-06, G-02, or G-32. Storage systems must be behind-the-meter assets. Front-of-the-meter assets (power plants, solar farms) and customers in the Pascoag Utility District and Block Island Power Company service territory are not eligible.
How to Enroll: Typically through an approved Curtailment Service Provider (CSP), though Direct Participation is also available. Contact Rhode Island Energy for guidance on direct enrollment.