Negative ghost rider.Very problematic.
All problems can be traced back to the human using it like any electronic device unless it really was a dud from day one. That being said there are just circumstance where even an Ecobee won't work but Nest gets the brunt because it is the most known.
I personally have one going on 4ish years, I think. Flawless but I also made sure I have a C wire. As far as the utility company controlling it. They can't only suggest I lower my energy usage during peak demand times. I can easily override it.