With Demand Increasing, Utility Starts To Deal

Consumers aren't required to participate in one part of the program to benefit from another.

Marshfield resident Christine Fortin and her husband agreed to install the "smart" thermostats, in part because NStar offered free insulation upgrades as incentive. New insulation ultimately wasn't possible because of the design of their beach side house, but Fortin, who also has new solar panels on her roof, has few worries as she heads into her first summer without total control of her air conditioning.

"We're all about saving money and saving energy," she said.