ConEd Smart Usage Rewards, Explained: How Much You Earn and How to Pick a Partner
Updated July 3, 2026 · Independent guide by Meltek — not Con Edison
Smart Usage Rewards is Con Edison's demand response program for renters and homeowners: when electricity demand spikes on hot summer days, you get an alert, you cut back for a few hours, and you earn rewards for it.
Here's the part ConEd's own page doesn't spell out: the reward type and amount are set by the Smart Usage Partner you enroll with — not by ConEd. Picking the right partner is the single biggest decision in this program, and it's exactly where most people get stuck.
How the program works
During summer heat waves, demand on the grid surges and ConEd calls demand response events. Participants get advance alerts and reduce usage during the event window — raising the AC a few degrees, delaying the dishwasher and laundry, turning off lights.
Participation is free, you can opt out at any time, and there is no penalty for missing an event — you simply earn less.
- Step 1: Check eligibility and enroll with a Smart Usage Partner
- Step 2: Receive alerts before demand response events
- Step 3: Reduce usage during the event and earn rewards
Who qualifies
The requirements are minimal: an active Con Edison electric account and a smart meter. ConEd installs smart meters free of charge, and most of its territory already has them.
You can enroll at any point in the year, but rewards are earned during the summer season, May 1 through September 30 — so enrolling before summer means you capture every event.
How much you actually earn
ConEd's page says only that rewards are “determined by the Smart Usage Partner you choose.” In practice, partners differ on reward form (cash vs. gift cards vs. points), payout timing, minimum thresholds, and how much of the program value they pass through to you.
Your earnings scale with how much you reduce during events, your baseline usage, and how many events ConEd calls in a season. Heat-wave-heavy summers mean more events and more earning opportunities.
For reference, ConEd publishes tier rates of $18 to $25 per kW per month plus performance payments for aggregators and business participants — the residential program is funded by the same grid economics, which is why partners can pay real money for your participation.
How to choose a Smart Usage Partner
Ask these five questions before enrolling with any partner (including us):
- Do they pay cash, or points and gift cards?
- Do they need control of your thermostat or devices, or just a read-only connection to your ConEd account?
- Are there minimum payout thresholds or expiration rules on rewards?
- How do they notify you before events, and can you opt out of an event without penalty?
- What do they do with your energy data, and can you disconnect at any time?
Frequently asked questions
- Is ConEd Smart Usage Rewards legit?
- Yes. It is Con Edison's official residential demand response program. ConEd pays partners for verified reductions in customer usage during grid peak events, and partners pass rewards to participants. Enrollment is free and you can leave anytime.
- What do I need to join Smart Usage Rewards?
- Just an active Con Edison electric account and a smart meter. ConEd installs smart meters for free. You enroll through a Smart Usage Partner such as Meltek, not through ConEd directly.
- When do Smart Usage Rewards events happen?
- During the summer season (May 1 to September 30), typically on very hot weekday afternoons and evenings when grid demand peaks. You get an alert before each event.
- Do I have to reduce my usage during every event?
- No. Events are voluntary — if you skip one, you simply earn less. There is no penalty and you can opt out of the program at any time.
- Can I be in Smart Usage Rewards and the $85 smart thermostat program at the same time?
- No. ConEd's FAQ states you can combine Smart Usage Rewards with any other ConEd program except the Smart Thermostat program. Compare the two before choosing — which pays more depends on how much you can reduce during events across the summer.
Official Con Edison pages for this topic
Meltek is an independent Con Edison Smart Usage Partner, not Con Edison. Program details, amounts, and deadlines are set by Con Edison and change over time — always confirm on the official pages above.
Turn peak hours into payouts
Meltek pays ConEd customers cash for reducing electricity use during summer demand response events. Free to join with your ConEd account — no devices required, leave anytime.
See if your home qualifies