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Smart Usage Rewards

    See when and how to enroll to get rewarded, explore the benefits of Smart Usage, find a smart usage partner, and get answers to frequently asked questions.

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    About

    Using less energy when demand is high can help reduce strain on the energy grid, ensuring everyone has safe and reliable power. Smart Usage Rewards pays participants to temporarily reduce energy use during the summer, when there is peak demand.

    Benefits

    Smart Usage rewards you for reducing your energy use, improving grid reliability, and lowering emissions.
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    Earn Incentives

    Receive cash rewards for reducing your energy at times of peak demand.
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    Save Energy

    Temporarily reducing your electricity use during select high-demand summer events helps save energy.
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    Stay in Control

    You can choose the program type that best fits your company and decide when to participate in events.
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    Reduce Emissions

    Using less energy during peak demand can help reduce your facility’s carbon footprint.

    When Should You Apply?

    Smart Usage Rewards operates seasonally. Customers can apply for the program from the beginning of March up to the enrollment deadline.

    There are two event periods per year, each having its own enrollment deadline:

    • For Events from May 1 to September 30
      Enrollment Deadline: April 1
    • For Events from June 1 to September 30
      Enrollment Deadline: May 1

    Get Started

    An illustration of a contract showing energy use with a green checkmark hovering over it, representing an eligibility check.

    Step 1: Check Eligibility

    Determine whether your business is eligible to participate, review your current energy use, and identify equipment or operations that can be temporarily adjusted to reduce energy consumption. The amount of energy you can reduce will determine your enrollment pathway.
    Check Your Usage
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    Step 2: Compare Program & Payment Options

    Compare the available program and payment options to determine the best fit for your business based on operational needs, event timing, and preferred payment structure.
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    Step 3: Enroll

    If your business can reduce demand by more than 50 kW, you can enroll directly with Orange & Rockland. If you can reduce less than 50 kW, you'll need to enroll through an approved Smart Usage Partner.

    Compare Program & Payment Options

    Compare Program Options

    Pre-Planned Peak Demand Events

    Unplanned Grid Reliability Events

    Best for:

    Businesses that can plan ahead.

    Best for:

    Businesses that can respond quickly.

    Notice:

    Up to 21 hours before an event.

    Notice:

    Up to 2 hours before an event.

    Event Time:

    Monday to Friday, 6 a.m.–11 p.m.

    Event Time:

    Any day of the week, 6 a.m.–midnight.

    Monthly Payment:

    $3/kW per month.

    Monthly Payment:

    $3–$5/kW per month depending on location.**

    Performance Payment Rate:

    $0.50–$1.00/kWh reduced during events, depending on payment options.

    Performance Payment Rate:

    $0.50–$1.00/kWh reduced during events, depending on payment options.

    Compare Payment Options

    Monthly Payments

    Flexible Payments

    Best for:

    Businesses that want predictable monthly payments.

    Best for:

    Businesses that want more flexibility and higher event payouts.

    How You Earn:

    Monthly payments plus event payments.

    How You Earn:

    Event payments only.

    Event Payment:

    $0.50/kWh reduced during events.

    Event Payment:

    $1.00/kWh reduced during events.*

    Annual Test:

    Required.

    Annual Test:

    Not required.

    Participation:

    Committed to reducing electricity use during events.

    Participation:

    Choose when to participate in events.

    *The $1.00/kWh rate applies when an event lasts at least four hours.

    FAQs

    Day Ahead Forecast

    Peak Demand: 694 MW
    (43.4% of forecasted peak of 1600 MW)

    Contact Us

    Need help choosing the right Smart Usage Rewards option for your business?

    Email Now