With spring now here, it's time to consider participating in GridRewards to lower your summer energy costs. GridRewards is a demand response program accessible by a free app downloaded to your phone or computer. The program offers ConEdison energy users and New York State Electric and Gas (NYSEG) customers with smart meters the opportunity to see details of their energy usage and learn how they can change behaviors to lower carbon emissions and save energy and money.
GridRewards pays cash to participants who reduce their energy usage during demand response events in the summer. These events occur when the electricity grid usage is at its highest, typically during heat waves when most of the county runs air conditioning units and fans to combat the heat. Reducing the stress on the electricity grid helps prevent blackouts and limits the county's need for pollution-generating fossil fuel power plants.
How to Participate in GridRewards Demand Response Events: The app sends an alert via email and a notification to the user's mobile device, letting them know the time and date of the upcoming event. It provides recommendations for reducing energy usage during the event (for example, pre-cooling the home and shutting off air conditioning systems for a few hours). After the event, the app provides updates on how the household performed. The information is easily accessible on the app, and participants can make small, impactful changes in their energy usage while saving money and earning cash from participation. Residents, municipalities, and commercial businesses can all participate for significant savings. Enrolling before March 31 makes you eligible for earnings for participating in all five months of the 2023 GridRewards season, from May 1 to September 30. You can sign up anytime during the season, but you maximize your earning potential if you sign up by March 31. During this sign-up period, GridRewards also provides a referral code for $10 per additional sign-up that uses the code. If someone uses your referral code to sign up, you will each receive the $10 referral bonus. Payment for participation is sent to customers by check or PayPal at the end of the calendar year. Commercial properties can also use GridRewards to earn cash and reduce pollution. Any commercial, nonprofit, or multifamily property that pays a ConEdison electricity bill can participate. If you are a commercial property developer, owner, or industry professional interested in GridRewards for your building(s), email Rachel Carpitella at rachel@sustainablewestchester.org to set up a consultation and energy analysis. If you are part of a community-based organization interested in promoting GridRewards to your community members, contact Lauren Brois at lauren@sustainablewestchester.org for more information and materials. Download the GridRewards app to reduce harmful pollution and earn cash. |