Reduce your energy usage and earn up to $50 cash with the Peak Time Rebate Pilot

Peak Time Rebate is a behavior-based program where customers are provided incentives for making changes to their typical energy usage behavior in response to a peak demand event. These changes must be impactful enough to see reduced energy usage during the 2– to 4–hour events. 

When you enroll in the Peak Time Rebate Pilot, you will receive peak demand event emails between June 1 and September 30. You will receive an end–of–season notification in October, and if you earned a rebate, your payment will be mailed in November.  

Peak Time Rebate rewards individuals who make conscious changes to their energy usage during the peak demand events. The recommended actions for peak demand events, such as setting thermostats higher or refraining from use of large appliances that would typically be used, can reduce energy usage for all participants. 

No, enrolling in the Peak Time Rebate Pilot means you agree to receive notifications of peak demand events and attempt to reduce your energy usage during event hours. Enrolling in Peak Time Rebate Pilot does not guarantee the rebate payment. You must achieve energy savings during Peak Time events to receive the rebate payment.  

Peak demand events are determined from upcoming predicted weather conditions, generally a few days beforehand. Peak demand events often happen during higher-than-normal temperature days. 

There is a maximum of 15 events in a calendar year. Events are scheduled during times of high electric usage determined by weather and other factors. In 2023, the first year of the pilot, the program held six peak demand events, averaging about three hours per event. 

Peak Time Rebate is a behavior-based program where customers are provided incentives for making changes to their typical energy usage behavior in response to a peak demand event. Participation is optional, and there is no penalty for skipping events. Participating in more events makes it more likely to earn a rebate. 

The Peak Time Rebate program works to offset energy usage during times that see the most energy demand on the electric grid, reducing the strain on the grid during times where it is at its peak. 

The amount of energy you use during an event is compared against the amount of energy you used on recent and similar days during the same time. This comparison is done for everyone individually. The difference between the expected energy usage and the actual energy usage during the event is the determined savings for that event. All events are summarized at the end of the peak demand summer season, and incentives are provided based on total season savings. 

The Peak Time Rebate program looks at overall energy usage changes across all events in a peak demand season. These changes must be impactful and consistent enough to see an overall usage lower than your typical usage during the same hours of the day. Participating in more events and making more impactful energy efficiency decisions during these events are the best ways to increase the incentive you will receive. 

No. The Peak Time Rebate program is completely free and actively aims to reward conscious energy efficiency decisions that reduce energy usage during Peak Time events. 

Rebates are provided at the end of the peak demand season. These rebates are determined based off the total observed energy usage reduction across all events and not by a single event’s participation. 

There are currently no restrictions on being enrolled in both programs at the same time. However, customers enrolled in the EasyCool program will have a reduction in energy use associated with the automated thermostat setback during  peak demand events. The EasyCool reduction is removed from the Peak Time Rebate savings total for an individual customer who is enrolled in both programs. Participating in the EasyCool Demand Response program does not guarantee an incentive for the Peak Time Rebate program. You must make other energy–saving adjustments beyond your smart thermostat temperature settings to earn a Peak Time Rebate payment.  

We take your average usage between the event hours for the 10 weekdays before the event day and compare it to your usage on the event day between the event hours. To determine eligibility for the Peak Time Rebate, we average your savings across all Peak Time events. If your average shows savings across all events, you will receive the standard rebate of $20. If you are in the top 15% of savers (highest average savings), you will receive the high–saver incentive of $50.  

Participating in more events makes it more likely to earn a rebate. 

To earn a standard-saver rebate, you must show energy savings in at least half of the peak demand events. You have a higher likelihood of achieving a high-saver tier if you participate (reduce your electric use) in every Peak Time event.  

If you don’t show savings averaged over all events, you will not qualify for a rebate. 

If you show savings in less than 50% of events, you will still have the benefit of a lower bill for lower usage in the event month; however, you may not be eligible for a Peak Time Rebate payment.  

If you have normal activities that use electricity between 3 and 6 p.m. on weekdays that you could delay or skip on event days, you are a good candidate for this pilot. Some examples of activities that use electricity are using your clothes washer/dryer, dishwasher and vacuum; having your central air conditioning set below 78 degrees; using indoor/outdoor lighting; and showering or bathing (if you have an electric water heater). 

If you have solar panels, you are not a good candidate for this pilot.  

If your smart thermostat is already enrolled in the Energy Smart EasyCool program, you are not a good candidate for this pilot.