How to Sign Up for Demand Response in New York (2026 Guide)

Demand response programs in New York pay homeowners to briefly reduce electricity use on hot summer afternoons when the grid is under peak stress. In 2026, Con Edison, PSEG Long Island, and Orange & Rockland all run active programs — and Meltek handles enrollment and all event management automatically.

Here is exactly how to sign up, what you need, and what to expect after enrollment.

Signing up is fast when you have these three things ready:

1. Your home ZIP code
   Demand response programs are utility-specific. Your ZIP code determines whether you are in Con Edison, PSEG Long Island, or Orange & Rockland territory — and which program you will be enrolled in.
2. A compatible smart thermostat
   Meltek connects to your thermostat to manage precooling and event adjustments automatically. Compatible models include Nest, Ecobee, Honeywell Home (T6/T9/T10), Sensi, and others. If you do not have one, your utility may offer a free or discounted thermostat through their own equipment rebate — Meltek can help you access those.
3. Your utility account credentials (optional)
   Some program enrollments require linking your utility account for baseline measurement. Have your utility login ready to streamline the process.

1. Go to meltek.com/join
   Visit meltek.com/join. No app download required — enrollment is web-based.
2. Enter your ZIP code
   Meltek checks your ZIP against Con Edison, PSEG Long Island, and Orange & Rockland service territories in real time. You will see your eligible program and estimated earnings range before committing.
3. Create your Meltek account
   Provide your name and email. No credit card or payment information is required at signup — enrollment is completely free.
4. Connect your smart thermostat
   Meltek uses your thermostat's API to manage event adjustments and precooling. The connection is authorized through the thermostat's app — you grant Meltek read/adjust access, which you can revoke at any time.
5. Set your comfort preferences
   You choose your minimum indoor temperature — Meltek will never lower your home below this threshold. You can also set quiet hours, vacation blocks, and notification preferences.
6. Confirm enrollment
   Meltek submits your enrollment to the relevant utility program. You will receive a confirmation within 1–3 business days. You are enrolled and ready for the upcoming demand response season.

After enrollment, Meltek monitors the grid and your utility's demand response calendar automatically. You do not need to check a schedule or take any action to participate.

When a demand response event is called (typically 5–15 times per summer, on hot afternoons from 2–7 PM):

• Meltek precools your home 2–4 hours before the event starts
• During the event, Meltek raises your thermostat set point by 2–4°F
• You receive a notification but do not need to do anything
• Your home stays comfortable because of the precooling buffer
• If you ever need to override, you can do so in the Meltek app or thermostat

After the summer season, Meltek calculates your total curtailment across all events and transfers your earnings via ACH bank transfer — typically 30–60 days after season end.