New York regulators approve National Grid changes to demand response programs

ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York State Public Service Commission authorized National Grid's petition to change its demand response programs, which reduce energy loads at peak times when natural gas is used, cutting the amount of testing each year and lowering enrollment thresholds.

The commission said the approval also recommends moving multifamily customers from National Grid's thermostat program to the Excelsior Power Program. That program will develop a centralized statewide platform for enrolling all applicable devices within residential electric and gas Direct Load Control programs. It will also give new participating smart thermostat customers a $25 monthly utility bill credit for the first year. The Fiscal Year 2026 – 2027 State Budget includes $33 million for the program.

"Streamlining utility demand response programs to a unified platform will help manage energy demand and allow the State’s energy systems to adapt in real time," Commission Chair Rory M. Christian said. The Excelsior Power Program Phase 1 implementation plan is open for public comment.