Connected Homes in Hingham: Get Paid Monthly for Your Battery and Devices

If you are a customer of Hingham Municipal Light Plant (HMLP) looking for Hingham solar installation, you have access to a unique program called Connected Homes. (If you don't live in Hingham, you can still get paid for your battery through the statewide ConnectedSolutions program.) This program allows HMLP to better manage its electric load and keep rates low, while paying you for participating.

What is a Peak Event?

A "Peak Event" is a time when demand on the electric grid is at its highest. Prices of wholesale electricity soar during peak hours, and older, dirtier power generating plants are used to meet the demand. By reducing peak usage, HMLP saves money and reduces reliance on these plants.

How Connected Homes Works

When a peak usage hour is predicted, Connected Homes calls a "Peak Event." To reduce peak electric use, Connected Homes makes short, limited adjustments to your enrolled smart devices. Customers receive a text and email alerting them to any device adjustments in advance. You can occasionally opt out of a peak event adjustment if needed. Connected Homes may call up to 170 hours of peak events per year (approximately 5-6 events per month).

How Much Does It Pay?

Customers receive bill credits for their participation, issued once per quarter. For eligible solar battery backup in New England systems like the Tesla Powerwall, Duracell, or Emporia, the incentive is $30 per month. You can see all battery options I install.

• Tesla Powerwall: Prioritizes charging and preparing for the event. It covers home energy usage and pushes remaining storage to the grid.
• Duracell and Emporia: Cover home energy usage during a peak event. No more than 80% of a customer's battery will be drawn down during an adjustment.

Other Eligible Devices

You can enroll multiple devices and receive incentives for each (except you can enroll an EV charger OR an EV, not both).

• Electric Vehicles (Acura, Audi, Tesla, etc.): $10/month
• Electric Vehicle Chargers (ChargePoint, Emporia): $10/month
• Electric Hot Water Heaters (GE, Rheem): $5/month
• Wi-Fi Thermostats (Google Nest, Amazon, Honeywell): $5/month

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get paid?

Customers are given bill credits for their participation in Connected Homes, issued once per quarter.

Can I opt out of an event?

Yes. Customers receive a text and email alerting them to adjustments and have the option to occasionally opt out through a link provided, or by adjusting the device's settings back to the preferred state.

Will my battery be completely drained?

No. For Duracell and Emporia batteries, no more than 80% of the battery will be drawn down during an adjustment. Tesla Powerwalls will push remaining battery storage up to the minimum battery threshold set to the electric grid.

What about privacy?

Connected Homes only has access to the energy usage and consumption data needed to assist in programming, reporting, monitoring, and controlling the device system for peak events. For EVs, it only has access to name, address, when a device is on/off at home, and electricity consumed.