I'm not 100% sure what you mean by utility real-time programs, but yes, this probably is they meant. Nest knows where you live (I don't mean that in a creepy way), and they can help you enroll in what are called "demand response" or "load control" programs in your area. When you enroll, you get an incentive like a bill credit or a free thermostat, and you give the utility permission to turn your AC off for a little while at some point during the summer.

Many of these utility programs actively recruit customers, so chances are (a) you'll get a chance to sign up even if you own a different type of connected (e.g. WiFi) thermostat, and (b) the sign up process won't be hard.