C&I ConnectedSolutions
Get paid to optimize your energy usage
Rhode Island Energy is committed to reducing peak electric demand, and we need your help. Join our ConnectedSolutions demand response program to help lower electricity use during high-demand periods. By participating, you can help cut emissions, lower infrastructure costs, and decrease utility prices. Plus, you'll earn generous incentives for your efforts.
We offer two pathways for Commercial and Industrial customers: Daily Dispatch and Targeted Dispatch. You can choose one pathway or enroll in both, which we call Dual Enrollment. Participants are compensated based on performance for each average kW they reduce.
The Daily Dispatch pathway aims to reduce the load on the electrical grid during the peak hour of the year and other high and medium peak days throughout the summer.
Events will only be called in June and September if the annual peak is forecasted for those months. Events will be called in July and August to target the highest 40 daily peaks. No more than 60 events will be called in a summer.
Day-ahead notifications will be sent before each Daily Dispatch event.
New customers can earn an incentive of $275 per kW per summer. No participant is eligible to receive more than $1 million per year for their overall performance settlement.
During the summer, events will be called:
- June through September, between 3 – 8 p.m.
- Lasting for 2 or 3 hours at a time
- No more than 60 times
Eligibility requirements
- The C&I ConnectedSolutions program is technology-agnostic. To be eligible for the C&I track, customers must be in rate classes C-06, G-02, or G-32. Customers in other rate classes are not eligible.
- Front-of-the-meter assets, such as power plants or solar farms, are also not eligible. Storage systems must be considered behind-the-meter (BTM) assets to qualify. BTM refers to a facility that serves an on-site load other than parasitic load or station load used to operate the facility.
- Customers in the Pascoag Utility District and the Block Island Power Company service territory are not eligible to participate.
How to Enroll
Typically, customers enroll through an approved Curtailment Service Provider (CSP). CSPs offer various services to help customers maximize their curtailment performance and incentive payments. However, enrolling through a CSP is not mandatory. Customers can also enroll without a CSP, known as "Direct Participation." In this case, customers should contact Rhode Island Energy for guidance.
Contact one of our approved Curtailment Service Providers to enroll today:
- CPOWER: Call 1-844-276-9371
- Enel-X: Call 1-888-363-7662
- Parsons (formerly IPKeys): Call 1-855-475-3970
- Leap: Email info@leap.energy
- Voltus: Call 1-415-463-4236
Frequently asked questions
What is demand response?
Demand response is when participating customers reduce their electricity usage at critical times to help lower the demand for electricity during peak periods, such as hot summer days. These programs help reduce peak-day generator emissions, delay the installation of costly utility equipment, and can help lower the purchase of expensive peak-day energy. Participating customers are eligible for incentives.
Are there any risks involved?
The incentives Rhode Island Energy pays are based on your performance during Peak Energy Events throughout the summer. Rhode Island Energy will not charge you a penalty if you cannot perform during a Peak Energy Event. However, the incentive payment will be less.
What are some ways that customers can temporarily reduce their energy consumption?
Customers can reduce their energy consumption by turning off unnecessary lighting, appliances, and equipment, and raising the temperature of central air-conditioning systems. The Curtailment Service Provider you select will work with you to determine which strategy fits your situation.
How are participating customers notified of a Peak Energy Event?
Notification is given the day before a Peak Energy Event. Your Curtailment Service Provider will work with you to determine how to inform you of upcoming Peak Energy Events. Typical methods of contact are email, text message, or telephone.
What are load aggregators, curtailment service providers, and demand response service providers?
Load aggregators, curtailment service providers, and demand response service providers are all names for the same type of organization. These organizations advise and assist customers in participating in demand response programs.