MGE Connect® Smart Water Heater Program
Control costs. Support the grid. Reduce carbon.
Managing our collective energy use is one of MGE's strategies for achieving net-zero carbon electricity. Technologies like smart water heaters can help manage your household energy use—and help manage our electric grid.
The MGE Connect Smart Water Heater Program is a demand response program for customers with smart water heaters. Eligible MGE electric customers with compatible water heater units receive a reward upon acceptance into the program and annual bill credits for participating.
Join the program waiting list to be notified when enrollment opens!
How it works
Eligible MGE electric customers can enroll a compatible water heater in the program. During periods of peak demand on the electric distribution grid, MGE will briefly shift when the water heater heats water—without impacting comfort—using a smart device or controller.
Benefits to you
- Earn rewards through an e-gift card upon enrollment and yearly on-bill credits.
- Reduce strain on the electric grid during peak times.
- Support carbon reduction goals by shifting electric electric use to low-carbon periods.
- No disruption to your daily routine—your water heater will continue to produce hot water when you need it.
Program rewards
You’ll earn rewards just for enrolling and participating in the Smart Water Heater Program:
One-time Enrollment Reward: Receive a $25 e-gift card, delivered electronically through Tango Card, when you enroll a qualifying smart water heater.
Annual Participation Reward: Earn a yearly prorated on-bill credit, applied directly to your monthly electric bill, based on the number of months your water heater remains actively connected and participating in the program.
Reward amounts vary by water heater type as outlined in MGE’s Electric Rates & Rules:
- Electric resistance water heaters qualify for up to $25 annually.
- Heat pump water heaters qualify for up to $15 annually.
Frequently Asked Questions
To participate in the MGE Connect® Smart Water Heater Program, you must:
- Be an MGE residential electric customer or commercial customer on a CG-5 rate.
- Own an eligible smart electric water heater or utilize an eligible controller on an electric tank water heater.
- Maintain Wi-Fi connectivity for reliable communication.
- Control events typically occur during periods of high system demand.
- Events briefly adjust heating schedules—not hot water availability.
- No more than 500 event hours will be called per year. Each event will last no more than four hours.
- Events may be preceded by a pre-conditioning period.
- You can temporarily opt out by using your device’s app.
Yes—modern electric water heaters store enough hot water to accommodate short heating adjustments.
Yes, you can temporarily opt out of an event by using your device’s app.
