Samsung has recently introduced 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 been met with skepticism in the past, many experts believe that integrating smart homes with the grid is essential for managing the strain on our energy network.
Flex Connect, available in New York and California, works in conjunction with SmartThings Energy, an energy management solution. It utilizes SmartThings’ AI Energy Mode to automate the response of smart appliances and connected devices such as lights and thermostats to demand response events. The AI Energy Mode, which Samsung claims can save up to 70 percent of energy consumption with Samsung products, learns the household’s routines and adjusts energy usage accordingly based on user-defined targets in the app.
When a demand response signal is received from the utility company, Flex Connect can activate AI Energy Mode to minimize energy use in supported appliances, turn off devices (including third-party lights and plugs), and adjust thermostats for energy conservation. This can lead to cost savings for users on time-of-use rates or offer rebates from the utility for participation. Additionally, users can earn Samsung Rewards points through Flex Connect, which can be redeemed for products on Samsung.com.
Users can select which devices to enroll in the Flex Connect program and can modify their selection at any time. While Samsung appliances dominate the list of compatible devices, there is also support for third-party plugs, lights, and thermostats. Notable brands include Wemo, TP-Link, Aeotec, Ecobee, Sengled, and Resideo (Honeywell Home). Furthermore, Tesla products such as the Powerwall and Loop EV chargers are also compatible with Flex Connect.
Samsung is a member of Matter, a new smart home standard that supports more extensive appliance integration and energy reporting from smart devices. This indicates that additional compatible devices may be added to the platform in the near future. As the smart home industry continues to evolve, it is likely that Flex Connect will play a significant role in optimizing energy consumption and enhancing the overall efficiency of smart homes.
Samsung’s Flex Connect program marks a significant advancement in smart home technology, offering users the opportunity to actively participate in energy management and potentially save on utility costs. By integrating smart appliances and devices with the energy grid, Flex Connect represents a proactive approach to addressing the challenges of energy demand and consumption. As the program expands and becomes more widely adopted, it has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with our smart homes and contribute to a more sustainable energy future.
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