The SmartThings Blog

Are you looking to save money, energy, and earn rewards automatically? Who isn’t! With Samsung’s Demand Response (DR) Program, Flex Connect - available directly within the SmartThings app - eligible users can automatically reduce energy consumption by switching devices to power-saving mode during peak grid demand. What is Flex Connect? Flex Connect allows Samsung appliances, TVs, and other connected devices to adjust theirenergy usage during peak demand peak demand times, using a feature called DR Energy Mode,built into the app to give users the ability to reduce energy use when the grid is under strain,helping to balance the grid while reducing costs at home. Samsung's Flex Connect program became available to eligible users in California and New York in June of 2024, to eligible users in Texas in December of 2024 and is now available to users across the Mid-Atlantic and greater Chicago. Signing up for Flex Connect means when an energy event occurs, SmartThings automaticallyoptimizes energy consumption across opted-in devices for users who have enabled DR EnergyMode in the app. This activation not only helps users save energy during crucial times, it alsotriggers a $50 Flex Connect reward – directly into the user’s Samsung account! Flex Connect works with a variety of energy-saving devices, from thermostats to Samsungwashers, dryers, and more – intelligently adjusting the device’s settings based on the weatherand grid, ensuring efficient energy use while keeping your home comfortable. It’s energy saved– automatically! Together, Flex Connect users contribute meaningful energy reductions that help balance thegrid during peak demand, reducing the risk of blackouts and lowering overall grid emissions. It’sgood for the grid, good for sustainability, and good for your wallet! Check out the Works With SmartThings page for a full list of eligible devices. How do I get the $50 in Samsung Rewards Points? The reward is distributed after you are approved in the Flex Connect program and after one ormore of your connected devices participate in an energy event. Then, you’ll receive a notification in the SmartThings app letting you know your $50 in Samsung Rewards Points is available. Simply tap ‘Claim’ in the app, and the Samsung Rewards Points will be added to your Samsung.com account. You have 30 days to claim your points once the notification appears, but after claiming thepoints, they won’t expire. The frequency and timing of energy events vary based on locationand season, so keep an eye on your SmartThings app for updates. Earning Even More: About SmartThings Energy Stamps A $50 Flex Connect reward is just the start of what you can earn! (Not to mention the energyyou’re saving automatically, often leading to a reduction in monthly energy bills.) By using additional SmartThings Energy features, you can maximize energy savings and earneven more rewards. Features such as AI Energy Mode, Optimal Charging, and OptimalScheduling are available to all users—and when activated, trigger the accrual of Energy Stamps,which convert to dollars that can be spent on Samsung.com! Ready to take control of your energy usage?  It’s quick and easy to connect your devices to the SmartThings app: Open the SmartThings app and tap the 'Devices' tab. Tap the 'Home' icon and select your device’s location. Tap the ‘Add’ (+) button and choose 'Add Device.' For Bluetooth devices, tap ‘Scan Nearby’ or manually add your device. Follow the on-screen instructions, and you’re good to go! Download the SmartThings app in the Google Play or Apple Store to activate SmartThings Energy, and enter your ZIP code in SmartThings Energy to check your eligibility today. To learn more about Flex Connect and how you can save energy for rewards, visit https://partners.smartthings.com/energy-rewards.