Energy company recognized for efforts to reduce peak energy demand using smart devices

MANCHESTER, N.H. (May 13, 2021) - In recognition of its efforts to help customers reduce energy use and save money through demand response programs, Eversource’s ConnectedSolutions demand management program yesterday received the 2021 Program Pacesetter Award from the Peak Load Management Alliance (PLMA). The energy company was recognized for surpassing enrollment goals and setting a high bar for energy demand management programs. 

“We’re honored to be recognized by PLMA for our efforts to help customers reduce energy use and save money through ConnectedSolutions,” said Eversource Executive Vice President of Customer Experience and Energy Strategy Penni Conner. “Demand management is a valuable tool in the fight against climate change that also helps maintain reliability of our electric grid. We’re proud of our innovative approach, which has rapidly engaged thousands of customers of all sizes to help reduce energy demand at critical times.”

The Eversource ConnectedSolutions team receives the Pacesetter Award in a virtual ceremony on May 12, 2021. Pictured - Top Row (L-R): Bill O’Connor, Energy Efficiency Consultant; Joana Abreu, ConnectedSolutions Program Lead; Roshan Bhakta, Manager, Energy Efficiency; Bottom Row (L-R): Hannah Lyons, Associate Energy Efficiency Consultant; Michael Goldman, Director, Energy Efficiency; Kevin Morley, Energy Efficiency Project Engineer; Rebecca Collins, Marketing Specialist

Eversource’s ConnectedSolutions program provides incentives to customers to reduce their energy use at times of peak demand, which helps reduce strain on the electric grid and lowers carbon emissions by avoiding additional power generation of dirtier fossil fuels like coal that still come online in New England when demand is high. Customer enrollment in 2020 across Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire surpassed goals by more than 60 MW, reaching a total of 170 MW approved for targeted use during days with the highest energy demand and an additional 6.3 MW of storage capacity approved for daily demand reductions.

ConnectedSolutions is significant not only for the large demand reductions that can be achieved, but also for the diversity of customers and devices enrolled – including more than 600 business customers using a range of demand reduction strategies and more than 33,000 residential devices including WiFi thermostats, electric vehicle chargers, residential battery storage and WiFi-connected A/C units. 

Since 2003, PLMA has recognized a select group of outstanding load management programs, initiatives and achievements. This year, Eversource’s ConnectedSolutions program was chosen among two other pacesetter programs, including Consumers Energy Clean Energy Plan and Western Power’s 100 MW Challenge in Australia. 

The award winners were recognized at the 43rd PLMA Conference, May 10-12, 2021. Eversource’s winning initiative will also be featured in a PLMA Load Management Dialogue webcast/podcast episode to be aired on August 24, 2021. For more information on this year’s awards program, please visit https://www.peakload.org/awards.

For more information about Eversource’s ConnectedSolutions program visit www.Eversource.com/connectedsolutions.