We’re excited to highlight ConnectedSolutions, a demand response program in Massachusetts and Rhode Island that offers commercial and industrial (C&I) customers lucrative incentives for reducing peak demand in the summer. You can seamlessly model program revenues, optimize battery dispatch, and ensure maximum financial returns from their energy storage systems (ESS) by utilizing ETB Developer and ETB Controller.
What is ConnectedSolutions?
ConnectedSolutions is a battery storage program designed to reduce peak grid demand while rewarding participants for curtailing energy use during high-demand periods. The program serves both residential and C&I customers, though residential incentives tend to be higher. For C&I customers, we recommend the Daily Dispatch option due to its greater value potential.
Running from June through September, the program includes 30 to 60 peak events per season, triggered by peak grid demand. Incentive rates are highly competitive, $200/kW in Massachusetts and $275/kW in Rhode Island—with the ability to lock in rates for up to five years. Incentives are capped at 150% of a site’s annual peak load. With day-ahead notifications, participants can prepare their ESS to respond. Systems equipped with Acumen AI™ automatically receive day-ahead notifications, optimize battery performance, dispatch the asset, and ensure participants receive payments for their contributions.
Targeted Dispatch vs. Daily Dispatch: Which One is Right for You?
Who is Eligible?
To qualify for ConnectedSolutions, customers must meet the following criteria:
- Have an active commercial or industrial electric service account in Massachusetts with National Grid, Eversource, or Unitil.
- Pay into the energy efficiency fund on their electric bill.
- Own a behind-the-meter battery storage system (front-of-the-meter assets such as power plants or solar-plus-storage farms are not eligible).
Enrollment Process
The enrollment process is straightforward, and Energy Toolbase simplifies it further by handling enrollment on behalf of customers. Here’s how it works:
How Performance is Measured and Incentives Are Calculated
Performance in the Daily Dispatch program is measured using device-level meter data from the ETB meter itself, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting. Incentives are based on the average curtailment amount across all events during the season. While customers are not penalized for underperformance, failure to participate in events or negative performance will result in reduced incentives.
Co-Participation with Other Programs
One of the biggest advantages of ConnectedSolutions is its compatibility with other incentive programs, allowing customers to stack multiple value streams. Eligible programs include:
- Clean Peak Standard (CPS)
- ISO-NE Demand Resource Programs
- Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) Program
Seamless Participation in ConnectedSolutions with Energy Toolbase
At Energy Toolbase, we make it easy to automate battery dispatch, optimize ConnectedSolutions participation, and integrate with other incentive programs to maximize revenue. ETB Developer allows our users to model program incentives, optimize energy storage strategies, and project earnings. ETB Controller with Acumen AI automates dispatch during peak events, ensuring maximum financial returns. ETB Monitor provides real-time performance tracking, allowing customers to stay on top of compliance and program participation. Ready to get started? Schedule a call with our team today!
Join us for our upcoming webinar on April 2, 2025 to learn more about these two newly released grid services programs on ETB Developer, ConnectedSolutions and Clean Peak Standard (CPS). We’ll guide you through how these programs unlock new revenue opportunities for energy storage projects in the Northeast while maximizing savings and simplifying participation. Sign up for the free webinar here.
