Samsung helps US power grids with wider Flex Connect coverage

Samsung is expanding its clever Flex Connect program to more cities in the United States. The company has partnered with PJM Interconnection LLC to bring Flex Connect to SmartThings users across the Mid-Atlantic and greater Chicago in March.

Flex Connect is a SmartThings feature that helps smart home users save energy and participate in demand response (DR) events designed to stabilize the power grid. It debuted in California and New York in July 2024 and expanded to Texas in December.

This month, Flex Connect went live for more SmartThings users in the USA, and those who decide to participate in demand response events can earn rewards and lower their electricity bills.

In essence, Flex Connect is a system that can help prevent power blackouts caused by power grid overloads, particularly in summer and winter months, when homeowners might ramp up their air conditioning or heating systems.

Flex Connect now covers 32% of the US population. The clever system enables SmartThings devices to communicate with the power grid and automatically adjust power consumption to help prevent power blackouts.

Over the next decade, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation expects a 15% increase in summer peak power grid demand and an 18% increase in winter peak demand. Programs like Samsung's Flex Connect are becoming more important than ever.

There are several benefits to signing up for Flex Connect. First and foremost, by participating in the program, SmartThings can adjust energy consumption and automate energy savings for users, thus lowering the electricity bill.

Furthermore, SmartThings users can earn $50 in Samsung Reward Points for participating in energy-saving events.

The best thing about Flex Connect is that SmartThings users have full control over which smart home devices can respond to DR events. Supported devices include air conditioners, thermostats, plugs, lights, TVs, and appliances.

Lastly, to assist homeowners who don't use any supported smart home devices, Samsung will send energy-saving tips through SmartThings and encourage users to take manual actions to lower energy consumption.