Your electricity bill arrives and that sinking feeling returns. Those peak hour rates are eating away at your budget, with demand charges during summer afternoons sometimes doubling your per-kilowatt-hour cost. Meanwhile, your kitchen renovation dreams are stalled because you can’t stomach the look of a standard refrigerator jutting out six inches past your custom cabinetry, disrupting that sleek, built-in aesthetic you’ve been planning on Pinterest for months.
What if a single appliance upgrade could solve both problems? Enter the counter-depth refrigerator with smart grid ready technology—a sophisticated fusion of space-saving design and energy intelligence that’s transforming how we think about kitchen appliances. These aren’t just pretty faces; they’re grid-interactive workhorses that communicate directly with your utility company to automatically reduce energy consumption when rates spike, potentially saving you hundreds of dollars annually while supporting a more stable, sustainable electrical grid.
Top 10 Counter-Depth Refrigerators with Smart Grid Ready Tech
 | Sharp SJB1255GS Bottom-Freezer Counter-Depth Refrigerator, 24 Inch, 11.5 Cubic Foot, Garage Ready | Check Price |
 | GE® ENERGY STAR® 17.5 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator | Check Price |
Detailed Product Reviews
1. Sharp SJB1255GS Bottom-Freezer Counter-Depth Refrigerator, 24 Inch, 11.5 Cubic Foot, Garage Ready
Overview: The Sharp SJB1255GS is a compact 24-inch counter-depth refrigerator designed for space-conscious homeowners who refuse to compromise on functionality. With 11.5 cubic feet of total capacity and a bottom-freezer configuration, this garage-ready unit fits seamlessly into kitchens where square footage is at a premium. The stainless steel finish provides a modern aesthetic while the counter-depth design ensures it won’t protrude awkwardly into your walkways.
What Makes It Stand Out: This refrigerator excels with its intelligent features tailored for modern lifestyles. The Vacation Mode is particularly clever, allowing you to shut down the refrigerator compartment while keeping the freezer operational during extended absences. The removable wine rack adds versatility for entertaining, while the Fresh Converter Drawer offers customizable temperature zones for different food types. The Multi Air Flow system ensures consistent cooling throughout both compartments, preventing hot spots and maintaining optimal food preservation.
Value for Money: At $1,098.97, the Sharp SJB1255GS occupies a sweet spot between budget and premium appliances. While not the cheapest option available, its specialized features like garage-ready certification and Vacation Mode justify the mid-range price point. Comparable counter-depth models from competitors typically start around $900 but lack these intelligent functions, making this a smart investment for those who value convenience.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include its space-saving design, garage-ready capability, innovative Vacation Mode, and versatile storage options. The Multi Air Flow system and Fresh Converter Drawer demonstrate thoughtful engineering. Weaknesses include the relatively modest 11.5 cubic foot capacity, which may feel limiting for larger families, and the absence of advanced features like smart connectivity or fingerprint-resistant finishes found in pricier models.
Bottom Line: Perfect for small households, apartment dwellers, or as a secondary garage unit, the Sharp SJB1255GS delivers premium functionality in a compact package. If you prioritize smart space utilization over raw capacity, this refrigerator deserves serious consideration.
2. GE® ENERGY STAR® 17.5 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator
Overview: The GE ENERGY STAR 17.5 Cu. Ft. Counter-Depth French-Door Refrigerator represents a premium approach to kitchen design and food preservation. This model combines the elegance of French-door styling with practical counter-depth dimensions, creating a built-in look without the built-in price tag. The 17.5 cubic foot capacity offers substantially more storage than compact alternatives while maintaining a sleek profile.
What Makes It Stand Out: The fingerprint-resistant stainless steel exterior is a game-changer for busy households, maintaining a pristine appearance with minimal cleaning effort. The turbo cool and turbo freeze settings provide rapid temperature recovery after frequent door openings, ensuring your groceries stay fresher longer. LED lighting brilliantly illuminates every corner, eliminating the dim corners common in older refrigerators. The ENERGY STAR certification promises measurable utility savings while reducing environmental impact.
Value for Money: At $2,399.00, this GE model commands a premium price that reflects its superior capacity, advanced features, and reputable brand engineering. While significantly more expensive than basic counter-depth options, the fingerprint-resistant finish alone can save hours of cleaning over its lifetime. French-door models from premium brands often exceed $3,000, making this a relative value for buyers seeking upscale aesthetics and performance.
Strengths and Weaknesses: Strengths include the spacious 17.5 cubic foot capacity, smudge-proof exterior, rapid cooling technology, and energy efficiency. The French-door design offers excellent accessibility and a high-end kitchen aesthetic. Weaknesses center on the steep price point, which may be prohibitive for budget-conscious shoppers, and the counter-depth design still sacrifices some capacity compared to standard-depth models.
Bottom Line: Ideal for design-conscious homeowners who frequently entertain and prioritize low-maintenance luxury, this GE refrigerator justifies its premium price with thoughtful features and robust performance. If your budget allows, it’s a worthwhile investment that elevates both kitchen style and food preservation.
What Makes a Refrigerator “Smart Grid Ready”?
Smart grid ready technology represents a fundamental shift from passive electricity consumption to active participation in grid management. Unlike standard energy-efficient models that simply use less power, these refrigerators contain embedded communication modules that enable two-way dialogue with utility providers through secure networks.
Understanding Demand Response Technology
At its core, demand response is the appliance equivalent of a sophisticated traffic management system. When the electrical grid experiences high demand—typically hot summer afternoons when air conditioners run full blast—your utility sends a signal to enrolled devices. The refrigerator responds by temporarily adjusting its operation: slightly raising internal temperatures within safe parameters, delaying defrost cycles, or cycling the compressor less frequently. These adjustments are invisible to you but collectively reduce strain on the grid. The technology ensures food safety by never allowing temperatures to exceed FDA guidelines, typically maintaining zones well below 40°F for fresh food compartments.
How Two-Way Communication Works with Utilities
The communication backbone varies by manufacturer and utility partnership. Most systems use your home Wi-Fi network to connect with cloud-based utility servers, though some advanced models incorporate cellular or Zigbee radio chips for direct communication. When a peak event occurs, the signal travels from your utility’s demand response management system to your fridge in under 60 seconds. The appliance acknowledges receipt, executes the prescribed energy reduction strategy, and reports back on its compliance. This closed-loop system allows utilities to verify participation and calculate your incentive payments accurately.
The Counter-Depth Advantage: Beyond Aesthetics
Counter-depth refrigerators typically measure 24 to 30 inches deep (excluding handles), designed to align nearly flush with standard 24-inch kitchen cabinets. This configuration eliminates the protruding “box” look of conventional 34-36 inch deep models, creating a seamless, built-in appearance without the premium cost of true built-in units.
Space Optimization Without Sacrificing Capacity
The industry has evolved significantly from early counter-depth models that sacrificed interior volume. Modern engineering employs thinner insulation materials with higher R-values, redesigned compressor layouts, and optimized door bins to reclaim lost space. While you’ll still sacrifice 3-5 cubic feet compared to a standard-depth model of similar width, many families find the 20-23 cubic feet capacity perfectly adequate. The trade-off becomes worthwhile when you factor in the kitchen workflow benefits—no more bruised hips from navigating around a protruding fridge door.
Installation Considerations for Built-In Looks
Achieving that professional, integrated appearance requires precise planning. You’ll need to account for door swing clearance, ventilation requirements (minimum 1-inch top clearance, ½-inch sides), and proper leveling. Most counter-depth models feature reversible doors, but hinge mechanisms differ significantly between brands. Some require an additional 2-3 inches of depth for proper door articulation—crucial information that spec sheets don’t always highlight. Measure your space three times, and consider hiring a professional installer familiar with these nuances.
How Peak Rate Pricing Affects Your Energy Bills
Understanding your utility’s rate structure is essential to maximizing savings with a smart grid ready appliance. Traditional flat-rate billing is rapidly being replaced by complex pricing schemes designed to incentivize off-peak usage.
Time-of-Use Rates Explained
Time-of-use (TOU) plans divide your day into distinct pricing tiers. Peak periods (typically 4-9 PM weekdays) might cost $0.35-0.45 per kWh, while off-peak overnight rates drop to $0.12-0.15 per kWh. Super off-peak periods during overnight hours can be even cheaper. A smart refrigerator can shift up to 30% of its daily energy consumption away from peak windows through intelligent load management. For a fridge that normally uses 600 kWh annually, this could mean $80-120 in annual savings depending on your rate differential.
Peak Demand Charges and Their Impact
Commercial and some residential rate structures include demand charges based on your highest 15-minute usage period during the billing cycle. A refrigerator’s compressor startup draw can be 3-4 times its running wattage, contributing to peak demand if it coincides with other major appliances. Smart grid ready models can stagger compressor starts and coordinate with other smart devices in your home to smooth out these demand spikes, potentially reducing demand charges by 10-15% for households with whole-home energy management systems.
The Financial Case for Smart Grid Ready Appliances
The economics extend beyond simple kilowatt-hour savings. These appliances represent a holistic approach to energy cost management that leverages utility incentives and long-term grid benefits.
Calculating Your Potential Savings
Start by analyzing your utility bills from the past 12 months. Identify your peak vs. off-peak rate differential and any demand charges. Factor in utility rebate programs, which can range from $50 to $300 for enrolling smart appliances in demand response programs. Add the federal Energy Star tax credits where applicable. A typical household might see $150-250 in first-year savings, with a payback period of 4-6 years compared to a standard counter-depth model. The math improves dramatically if you’re replacing a 10+ year old unit, where baseline energy consumption might be 40% higher.
Available Rebates and Incentive Programs
Major utilities across California, Texas, New York, and increasingly the Midwest offer dedicated smart appliance incentives. ConEdison’s Smart Appliance Program provides $85 enrollment bonuses plus $20-40 per year in ongoing credits. PG&E’s SmartRate program offers similar structures. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for current offerings, and contact your utility directly—many programs aren’t heavily advertised. Some manufacturers partner with utilities to offer instant rebates at point of sale, simplifying the process.
Key Features to Look for in Smart Grid Ready Models
Not all “smart” refrigerators are truly grid-interactive. Marketing terminology can be misleading, so focus on specific technical capabilities.
Energy Star Certification and Beyond
Look for Energy Star Most Efficient designation, which identifies the top 5% of models. More importantly, verify the refrigerator carries the ENERGY STAR Smart Home Energy Management Systems (SHEMS) certification. This specific badge indicates the appliance meets strict criteria for demand response capabilities, cybersecurity protocols, and data privacy standards. The Consortium for Energy Efficiency (CEE) Tier 3 rating provides another layer of verification for advanced efficiency features.
Wi-Fi Connectivity and App Integration
The companion app quality varies dramatically between brands. A robust app should provide real-time energy consumption data, allow you to override utility signals temporarily (like when hosting a party), and display your accumulated savings. Look for platforms that integrate with popular smart home systems like Samsung SmartThings, LG ThinQ, or GE Appliances’ SmartHQ. Avoid proprietary apps with poor user reviews—if the software experience is frustrating, you’ll disengage and miss optimization opportunities.
Adaptive Defrost and Variable-Speed Compressors
These hardware features are force multipliers for smart grid functionality. Variable-speed compressors can ramp down to 30% capacity during peak events rather than simply cycling on/off, maintaining more stable temperatures. Adaptive defrost uses humidity sensors to calculate optimal defrost timing, allowing the system to postpone energy-intensive defrost cycles until off-peak hours. Together, these technologies can double the effective peak demand reduction compared to basic smart models.
Installation and Setup Requirements
Transitioning to a smart grid ready refrigerator involves more than plugging it in. Proper setup determines whether you’ll realize the full benefits.
Electrical and Network Prerequisites
While these appliances use standard 120V outlets, ensure your kitchen circuit isn’t overloaded. A dedicated 15-amp circuit is ideal. For connectivity, you’ll need a strong Wi-Fi signal at the installation location—at least two bars on your phone. Consider a mesh network extender if your router is distant. Some utilities require a smart meter installation to participate in demand response programs; verify this with your provider before purchase. The enrollment process typically requires your meter number and account details.
Utility Company Enrollment Process
After installation, you’ll register the appliance through your utility’s demand response portal or the manufacturer’s app. This involves linking your utility account and granting permission for the appliance to receive signals. The process takes 10-15 minutes but may require 24-48 hours for activation. Some utilities mail a confirmation device that plugs into your router to facilitate communication. Keep your refrigerator’s model number and MAC address handy—these are usually found on a label inside the door or in the app settings.
Optimizing Performance for Maximum Savings
Owning a smart grid ready refrigerator is like having a high-performance car; you need to understand how to drive it to unlock its potential.
Temperature Management Strategies
Set your fresh food compartment to 37°F and freezer to 0°F—slightly warmer than many people realize is safe. This reduces baseline energy consumption and gives the smart system more flexibility during peak events. Avoid overloading door shelves, which can prevent proper door closure and force the compressor to work harder. Use the “eco” or “energy saver” mode as your default setting; these modes optimize defrost frequency and fan operation for efficiency rather than rapid cooling.
Load Shifting Best Practices
Smart refrigerators work best when integrated into a whole-home energy strategy. Run your dishwasher and laundry during super off-peak hours (typically midnight to 6 AM). Pre-cool your home with the AC before peak periods begin. Some advanced models coordinate with smart thermostats through platforms like EcoFactor or EnergyHub to create a unified load-shifting strategy. This coordination can amplify savings by ensuring your fridge and HVAC system don’t ramp up simultaneously after a peak event ends.
Privacy and Security Considerations
Any device connected to external networks introduces potential vulnerabilities. Understanding the security architecture protects both your data and your home network.
Data Transmission Protocols
Reputable manufacturers encrypt all communications using AES-256 standards, the same level used by financial institutions. The appliance only transmits operational data—compressor run times, temperature setpoints, energy consumption—not personal information. Verify the manufacturer participates in the IoT Cybersecurity Improvement Act compliance program. Read the privacy policy carefully; some brands anonymize and aggregate data for product improvement, while others may share insights with third-party energy service companies.
Protecting Your Home Network
Isolate your smart appliances on a separate guest network or IoT-specific VLAN if your router supports it. This prevents potential compromise of your primary devices like laptops and phones. Change default passwords immediately, enable two-factor authentication on the companion app, and keep firmware updated. Most manufacturers push updates automatically, but check the app monthly. Disable any features you don’t use—if you’re not enrolled in a utility program, turn off grid communication to reduce attack surface.
Compatibility with Smart Home Ecosystems
The true power of smart grid technology emerges when appliances work in concert with other connected devices.
Integration with Energy Management Systems
Leading platforms like Sense, Emporia Vue, and Curb can monitor your refrigerator’s real-time consumption and coordinate it with solar panel output and battery storage systems. If you have home battery backup like a Tesla Powerwall, some smart fridges can be programmed to minimize grid draw during peak hours, preserving battery capacity for essential loads. This integration is particularly valuable in areas with net metering changes or grid instability.
Voice Assistant and Automation Capabilities
While shouting “Alexa, save me money on my electric bill” won’t directly trigger peak mode, voice assistants can provide status updates and manual overrides. More usefully, platforms like SmartThings allow you to create rules: “When utility signals a peak event, flash the kitchen lights once and send a phone notification.” This transparency helps household members understand when the system is active, building awareness of energy patterns. Some users report that this visibility alone reduces overall consumption by 5-7% through behavioral changes.
Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Smart features add complexity that requires proactive management to maintain reliability.
Keeping Your Smart Features Updated
Firmware updates aren’t just for new features—they patch security vulnerabilities and improve demand response algorithms. Enable automatic updates but verify they’ve installed quarterly. Clear the app’s cache monthly to prevent data sync issues. If your utility changes communication protocols (which happens every 2-3 years), the manufacturer typically pushes a compatibility update. Missing these can cause you to drop from incentive programs, costing you $100+ annually.
Common Connectivity Issues
The most frequent problem is Wi-Fi dropout during peak events, often caused by router channel congestion. Set your 2.4GHz network to channel 1, 6, or 11 to minimize interference from neighbors. If the fridge shows as “offline” in the app, power cycle it by unplugging for 30 seconds—this forces a network handshake without losing settings. Persistent issues may require assigning a static IP address in your router settings to prevent DHCP conflicts with other devices.
The Future of Grid-Interactive Appliances
We’re witnessing the early stages of a distributed energy revolution where appliances become active grid participants rather than passive loads.
Emerging Standards and Protocols
The OpenADR (Automated Demand Response) 3.0 standard is gaining traction, promising plug-and-play interoperability between utilities and devices regardless of manufacturer. Matter, the new smart home connectivity standard, includes energy management profiles that could simplify device pairing and utility enrollment. The Department of Energy’s CTA-2045 modular communication port initiative aims to make any appliance grid-ready through an add-on module, potentially retrofitting existing smart fridges.
Vehicle-to-Grid Integration Potential
The next frontier involves coordinating your refrigerator with your electric vehicle’s charging schedule. Imagine your fridge entering deep conservation mode when your EV begins charging, then resuming normal operation when charging completes. This vehicle-to-home (V2H) integration could optimize your entire home’s energy profile, treating appliances as flexible loads that dance around your EV’s substantial power draw. Pilot programs in California and Hawaii are already testing these scenarios.
Environmental Impact Beyond Your Home
The benefits cascade beyond your utility bill, supporting broader sustainability goals.
Reducing Strain on the Electrical Grid
During extreme weather events, grid operators must fire up expensive, polluting peaker plants to meet demand. By reducing peak load, smart appliances help defer or eliminate these emissions. A single smart refrigerator contributes modestly, but at scale—imagine millions of units—the collective impact is significant. California’s statewide demand response programs have already avoided building several new power plants by leveraging distributed energy resources.
Supporting Renewable Energy Adoption
Solar and wind power are intermittent; they generate electricity when the sun shines or wind blows, not necessarily when demand peaks. Smart refrigerators can be programmed to increase cooling (pre-cooling) when renewable generation is high, effectively storing that clean energy as thermal mass. This “load flexibility” makes the grid more accommodating to renewables, accelerating the transition away from fossil fuels. Your fridge becomes a small battery, banking coolness for later.
Making the Right Choice for Your Household
With prices ranging from $2,000 to $5,000+, this purchase deserves careful consideration of your specific circumstances.
Assessing Your Energy Usage Patterns
Request 12 months of hourly usage data from your utility (most provide this through online portals). Identify your peak consumption periods and calculate what percentage occurs during high-rate windows. If less than 20% of your usage falls in peak periods, the savings math is less compelling. However, if you’re on a time-of-use plan with more than 30% peak usage, or if you have an EV charging during peak hours, the flexible load management becomes far more valuable.
Budget vs. Long-Term Value Analysis
Entry-level smart grid ready counter-depth models carry a $300-500 premium over non-connected versions. Calculate your break-even point by dividing this premium by your projected annual savings. Consider the appliance’s 10-15 year lifespan—the technology will become more valuable as utilities expand time-of-use pricing and as renewable penetration increases. Factor in resale value; homes with smart energy systems command 3-5% premiums in eco-conscious markets. The intangible benefit of participating in climate solutions resonates with many buyers beyond pure financial return.
Common Misconceptions Debunked
Myths abound in this emerging category, often preventing smart purchasing decisions.
“Smart Features Are Just Gimmicks”
The skepticism is understandable given the history of IoT devices that add complexity without value. However, utility demand response programs have matured significantly since their inception. Modern implementations use sophisticated algorithms that prioritize food safety while maximizing savings. The OpenADR Alliance certifies that compliant devices deliver measurable grid benefits. Utilities wouldn’t pay ongoing incentives—totaling millions annually nationwide—if the technology didn’t produce verifiable load reductions.
“Counter-Depth Means Less Storage”
This outdated perception ignores recent engineering advances. French door and four-door configurations in counter-depth models actually improve organization compared to cavernous standard-depth units. The shallower design means less food gets lost in the back, reducing waste. Pull-out freezer drawers provide better visibility than deep bins. For households of 1-4 people, the capacity difference is functionally irrelevant. The real constraint is width—most counter-depth models max out at 36 inches, while standard units offer 42-48 inch options for large families.
Transitioning from Standard to Smart Grid Ready
Upgrading requires more than swapping appliances; it’s a lifestyle adjustment that pays dividends.
Steps to Prepare Your Kitchen
Measure your existing space meticulously, including door swing arcs and handle depth. Check your electrical panel—if your kitchen is on a shared circuit with other major appliances, consider hiring an electrician to run a dedicated line. Upgrade your Wi-Fi router if it’s more than five years old; modern appliances require stable 802.11ac or Wi-Fi 6 connections. Notify your utility of your intent to enroll before purchase; some require pre-approval or specific model qualifications.
Timeline and Installation Process
From delivery to full operation, expect a 3-5 day setup period. Day 1: Physical installation and leveling. Day 2: Cooling stabilization (manufacturers recommend waiting 24 hours before loading food). Day 3: App setup and utility enrollment. Days 4-5: Network monitoring and optimization. Schedule installation for a Monday or Tuesday to allow time to troubleshoot before the weekend. Keep your old fridge running in the garage temporarily—most utilities require 30 days of baseline data before activating incentives, and you’ll want a backup during the transition.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Will my food stay safe during demand response events? Absolutely. Smart grid ready refrigerators are designed with multiple fail-safes. They never allow temperatures to rise above 40°F in fresh food compartments or above 0°F in freezers. Internal sensors monitor conditions continuously, and if temperatures approach safe limits, the system automatically exits conservation mode. The FDA and Department of Energy have jointly established strict protocols that all certified appliances must follow, ensuring food safety is never compromised for energy savings.
2. How much internet bandwidth does a smart refrigerator use? Very little. Daily status updates and utility communications consume approximately 5-10 MB per month—less than a single high-resolution photo. The connection is intermittent, not continuous, with most data transmitted in brief bursts every 15 minutes. Even homes with basic DSL or satellite internet won’t notice any impact on streaming, gaming, or work-from-home activities.
3. Can I override utility signals if I’m hosting a party or stocking up after grocery shopping? Yes, all reputable models include manual override functions accessible through the app or control panel. You can typically pause demand response participation for 2, 4, 8, or 24 hours. Be aware that frequent overrides may disqualify you from certain incentive programs or reduce your earned credits. Some utilities allow a limited number of “free” overrides per month before penalties apply.
4. What happens if my internet goes down during a peak event? The refrigerator continues operating normally using its last-received settings. Most models store the next 24 hours of anticipated rate schedules locally, so brief internet outages won’t disrupt participation. If connectivity remains down for extended periods, you’ll simply miss that event’s incentive credit. The appliance won’t default to high-energy modes that could increase your bill.
5. Are smart grid ready refrigerators more expensive to repair? Potentially, but the difference is narrowing. The communication module is typically a separate component that can be replaced for $150-250 if it fails, often without requiring a service call. Compressors and cooling systems are identical to non-smart models. Many manufacturers now offer extended warranties specifically covering smart features. DIY-inclined owners can often replace modules themselves, as they’re designed to be plug-and-play components.
6. Do I need a smart meter for these features to work? Yes, in most cases. Smart meters provide the granular, time-stamped usage data necessary for utilities to verify your participation and calculate credits. If you don’t have one, contact your utility—they’re often installed at no cost within 2-4 weeks. Some rural cooperatives still use manual meter reading and may not yet support demand response programs, so verify program availability before purchasing.
7. Can renters benefit from smart grid ready refrigerators? Absolutely, though you’ll need landlord approval for installation. The financial benefits accrue to the electricity account holder, so renters on time-of-use plans see direct savings. Some forward-thinking landlords install these appliances to market properties as “smart homes” and may share incentive credits with tenants. Portable demand response devices that plug into outlets can provide similar benefits for renters who can’t replace major appliances.
8. How long do these appliances typically last? The mechanical components have the same 10-15 year lifespan as standard refrigerators. The smart communication module may become obsolete sooner, typically around year 7-10, as communication protocols evolve. However, manufacturers increasingly design these modules to be field-upgradable or replaceable, extending the appliance’s smart functionality. The CTA-2045 port standard aims to solve this by making communications modular and swappable.
9. Will this technology work if I have solar panels? Yes, and it becomes even more valuable. Smart refrigerators can coordinate with your solar inverter to increase cooling when your panels are producing excess power, effectively storing that energy as thermal mass. Some advanced systems can even respond to real-time solar production data, reducing grid consumption to near zero during peak solar hours. This maximizes your net metering benefits and accelerates payback on your solar investment.
10. What if my utility doesn’t currently offer demand response programs? The appliance still functions as a highly efficient, Wi-Fi connected refrigerator with energy monitoring capabilities. You can manually schedule energy-intensive operations like ice maker cycles and defrost modes during off-peak hours based on your time-of-use schedule. As demand response programs expand—driven by grid modernization mandates—you’ll be ready to enroll immediately. Many experts predict 80% of US households will have access to these programs within the next five years.