Demand Response Incentives for Retail

Approximately 50% of the total consumption of electrical energy in retail space in California is used for electric lighting, and 30% is used for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC). Earn incentives by reducing your load during peak times, and help the environment as well, by participating in one of PG&E’s Demand Response programs.

Suggested Programs

More Programs

Energy Reduction Strategies

Small Retailers
- Turn off all non-essential indoor/outdoor lighting, signage, window displays and office equipment not in use (i.e., printers, copiers, shredders, coffee makers).
- Turn off all decorative features, such as fountains, lighting and ambient audio and video displays.
- Pre-cool work areas, then cycle constant air volume heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) units or temporarily re-set static pressure in variable air volume HVAC, turn off ceiling fans and room fans, and raise temperature settings.
- Some facilities with package AC units can do load-cycling, temperature reset, and possibly pre-cooling.
- Shut doors and windows to pre-cool, then turn off air conditioning during an event.
- Turn off beverage vending machines and shift use of ice makers before or after an event.
- Conduct meetings during events to minimize use of equipment.
- Charge batteries and battery-operated equipment prior to an event, then unplug battery chargers and use only pre-charged equipment during an event.
- Adjust employee schedules and shifts so that times of increased production or energy use occur before or after planned events.
- Turn off excess cash registers and computers.
- Perform housekeeping-related tasks before or after an event.
Product Retailers (in addition to those stated above)
- Reduce lighting and decrease air conditioning in back-office and unused spaces.
- Turn off excess elevators and escalators (as permitted).
Grocery Retailers (in addition to those stated above)
- Delay use of electric resistance defrost controls and the use of anti-sweat heaters.
- Shift use of electrically-operated equipment before or after an event.
- Back-store refrigerated storage and refrigerant compressors can be turned down, cycled or turned off, and may safely float for hours with little temperature change.