How the Mass Save ConnectedSolutions Program Pays You for Saving Energy

How the Mass Save ConnectedSolutions Program Pays You for Saving Energy

ConnectedSolutions is a demand response program offered through Mass Save that rewards homeowners (and renters) for allowing small, short-duration adjustments to smart thermostats or battery systems during periods of high electricity demand — typically hot summer afternoons. 

By enrolling your thermostat in ConnectedSolutions, you help ease stress on the electric grid, and receive financial incentives in return.

How ConnectedSolutions Works

• Between June 1 and September 30, utilities monitor for peak events — periods when demand on the electric grid is highest, usually on the hottest summer afternoons and evenings. There are typically about 15 of these events per season, each lasting 2–3 hours.
• Ahead of a peak event, your smart thermostat may pre-cool your home, then temporarily adjust the temperature upward by no more than 4 °F during the event.
• You always keep full control: you can override the settings or opt out of the program at any time.

Who Is Eligible, and What Incentives Do You Earn?

• Residential electric customers of Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, Berkshire Gas or Cape Light who have a central air conditioner or heat pump controlled by a smart thermostat are eligible.
• You must have a thermostat that’s connected to a central cooling/heating system (window units don’t qualify).
• Incentives:
  
  • $50-$100 enrollment bonus (based on your income)
  • $20 per year per enrolled thermostat
    

Why It’s Especially Useful for Heat Pump Owners

ConnectedSolutions pairs exceptionally well with heat pump systems. Here’s why it’s a great fit:

• Efficient Pre‑Cooling Improves Heat Pump Performance: Heat pumps are efficient during moderate temperatures, and pre‑cooling helps them run less during peak grid stress — reducing both energy use and strain on the grid
• Smoother Grid, Cleaner Power: By reducing peak electricity demand, you help the grid operate more efficiently and reduce reliance on dirtier backup power — supporting Massachusetts’ clean energy goals
• Compatible with Hybrid or Dual‑Fuel Systems: Homes using a dual fuel system (heat pump plus gas or oil backup) benefit too. ConnectedSolutions can manage the heat pump portion, while your backup system only runs when needed.
• Extra Financial Value on Top of Other Heat Pump Savings: Combined with Mass Save heat pump rebates and 0% HEAT Loan financing, the program can reduce overall project costs and improve your long-term payback.

How To Get Started

1. Ensure you have a smart thermostat compatible with ConnectedSolutions and connected to your central heat pump or AC system.
2. Enroll by selecting your provider on the Mass Save website.
3. Enjoy incentive payments
4. Opt out anytime if a particular peak event doesn’t suit your comfort.

Is ConnectedSolutions a Good Choice for You?

If you:

• Already have or are planning to install a heat pump,
• Use a smart thermostat connected to that system,
• Are a residential customer of a Mass Save utility (Eversource, National Grid, Unitil, or Cape Light Compact)

then enrolling in ConnectedSolutions is a no-brainer. It’s easy to join, gives immediate incentives, offers ongoing annual payments, and supports cleaner energy in Massachusetts — all without sacrificing your comfort.