Samsung’s SmartThings Flex Connect Expands Reach to Maximize Energy Savings and Rewards

SmartThings, Samsung’s global connected living platform, today announces the expansion of its Flex Connect program with Leap into PJM Interconnection LLC (PJM). Originally launched to California and New York in July 2024, the program saw rapid success, prompting Samsung to expand access to Texas in December 2024, and now to PJM in early March. This expansion to the largest wholesale electricity market in the U.S. enables more consumers to access energy-saving opportunities, reinforcing SmartThings’ commitment to providing user choice and sustainable solutions.

With the expanded reach of Flex Connect, SmartThings users across the Mid-Atlantic and greater Chicago now have greater access to participate in demand response (DR) events that help stabilize the energy grid while lowering their energy costs. Consumers can automate their smart home devices—including thermostats, plugs, air conditioners, lights, TVs, and appliances—to participate in energy-saving initiatives effortlessly, maximizing their savings without sacrificing comfort.

Enhancing Consumer Choice with the Largest Smart Home Ecosystem

SmartThings offers the largest ecosystem of connected devices, giving consumers unparalleled flexibility in how they can engage with DR programs. Unlike traditional DR initiatives with limited device compatibility, Flex Connect allows a broad range of smart devices to integrate seamlessly, ensuring users can participate in a way that best suits their home setup.

Eligible users can enroll supported devices through SmartThings Energy, a service within the SmartThings app, and select their preferred automation settings. When the grid is under stress, enrolled devices will automatically adjust energy consumption, helping consumers reduce their usage while maintaining comfort. Users who do not own supported devices can still participate by receiving energy-saving tips and taking manual actions to conserve energy.

Transforming the Demand Response Experience

Historically, DR programs required significant manual intervention and offered limited device compatibility. With SmartThings Energy, Samsung has unlocked whole-home DR participation by providing seamless automation, energy usage insights, and AI-powered energy management.

Flex Connect allows users to:

• Earn Rewards – Enrolled users receive $50 in Samsung Rewards Points for participating in energy-saving events, making sustainability financially beneficial to users.
• Automate Energy Savings – SmartThings devices intelligently adjust energy use based on grid demand, efficiently saving users energy without compromising convenience.
• Customize Their Experience – Consumers have full control over which devices participate and how they respond to DR events, reinforcing SmartThings’ core mission of user empowerment.

Empowering Consumers and Strengthening the Grid

Grid pressures are projected to continue to intensify across the U.S., with the North American Electric Reliability Corporation projecting a 15% increase in summer peak demand and an 18% increase in winter peak demand over the next decade. With the Flex Connect program now supporting 32% of the U.S. population, according to U.S. Census data, Samsung is now a vital player in managing the increased energy demand–and at a crucial time, when energy demand is rising, supply is constrained, electricity prices are increasing for customers, and grid stability is threatened.

“With SmartThings, we’re giving consumers the power to choose how they engage with their energy use while contributing to a more sustainable future,” said Chanwoo Park, Executive Vice President of B2B Integrated Offering Center at Samsung Electronics. “Expanding Flex Connect with Leap in the Mid-Atlantic and Chicago regions means more users can experience the benefits of automation, energy savings, and financial incentives—all while supporting a more resilient grid.”

SmartThings remains at the forefront of innovation, creating new opportunities for consumers to participate in demand response programs effortlessly. Programs like Flex Connect are vital in managing the increased energy demand while providing financial and environmental benefits. The Flex Connect expansion marks a significant step toward a smarter, more efficient, and consumer-driven energy future.

For more information, please visit www.smartthings.com.

About SmartThings:

SmartThings, Samsung’s global connected living platform, builds smart homes that are convenient, safe, sustainable and fun. Millions of people, in nearly 200 countries, use SmartThings to easily control their connected homes and IoT devices. SmartThings delivers simple, powerful experiences across Samsung’s leading portfolio of phones, TV, and appliances. We offer the most versatile smart home experience as an open platform with a rich partner ecosystem. As a founding member of Matter, we are a leader in the industry to help make smart homes more secure, reliable and seamless to use. Do the SmartThings at www.partners.smartthings.com.