Samsung has recently launched a new demand response program called Flex Connect for its SmartThings smart home platform. This program allows SmartThings connected appliances to communicate with the grid and automatically reduce energy use during times of peak demand. While demand response programs have garnered some negative attention, many experts believe that connecting smart homes to the grid is essential for effectively managing the strain on our energy network.
Flex Connect is currently available in New York and California and is designed to work with SmartThings Energy, an energy management solution provided by Samsung. This program leverages SmartThings’ AI Energy Mode to automate how smart appliances and connected devices such as lights and thermostats respond to demand response events. Samsung claims that the AI Energy Mode can potentially save up to 70 percent of energy consumption when using their products.
When a demand response signal is received from the utility company, Flex Connect can automatically activate the AI Energy Mode. This can result in savings by turning off devices, adjusting thermostats for lower energy use, and managing energy consumption in supported appliances. Additionally, users may benefit from lower energy bills if they are on time-of-use rates or qualify for rebates offered by their utility company.
Participation in the Flex Connect program is optional, allowing users to choose which devices they want to enroll and make changes whenever necessary. Even if users do not have supported appliances, they can still utilize the SmartThings Energy feature to receive alerts during demand response events, enabling them to adjust their energy usage accordingly. Moreover, Samsung Rewards points can be earned through Flex Connect participation, which can be used toward purchases on Samsung.com.
A wide range of devices are compatible with Flex Connect, including Samsung appliances and third-party products such as plugs, lights, and thermostats. Popular brands like Wemo, TP-Link, Aeotec, Ecobee, Sengled, and Honeywell Home are supported, along with Tesla products like the Powerwall and Loop EV chargers. As Samsung is part of the Matter smart home standard, additional compatible devices are expected to be added to the platform in the near future.
Samsung’s Flex Connect program offers numerous benefits for smart home users, including energy savings, increased efficiency, and the potential for financial incentives. By leveraging the power of connected devices and smart technology, users can actively participate in managing energy demand and contributing to a more sustainable energy future. As the smart home industry continues to evolve, programs like Flex Connect are likely to play a significant role in shaping the way we interact with our homes and energy consumption.
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