Partner profile
Powering the future of grid-responsive water heaters with Rheem
Water heaters account for roughly 18% of residential US energy use,1 making them valuable for energy savings and demand flexibility efforts. With small automated energy shifts, it’s possible to unlock savings without disrupting daily routines. Households can enjoy hot water availability, benefit from greater efficiency and also support a more resilient grid.
Our partnership
Rheem first partnered with OhmConnect, a Renew Home portfolio company, in 2023 and has since expanded its collaboration with Renew Home. With nearly 16 GW of VPP potential2 from smart water heaters in the U.S. by 2030, Rheem and Renew Home are paving the way for seamless customer engagement through Renew Home’s energy management platform.
By leveraging smart automation, this partnership is helping to unlock dispatchable load, ensuring water heaters contribute meaningfully to grid flexibility without impacting household comfort. As the initiative scales, this fleet of connected devices will support a more efficient, resilient, and customer-friendly energy ecosystem, reinforcing the role of smart water heaters as a key asset in VPPs.
Looking ahead, Rheem and Renew Home are committed to delivering an enhanced energy management experience, providing consumers with greater control, increased savings, and streamlined participation in VPP programs. This partnership will also simplify enrollment for installer networks and homeowners, making VPP participation more accessible and impactful nationwide.
