SmartAC™ Program Details and Requirements

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PG&E's SmartAC program brings Californians together to reduce demand during peak periods—simply, automatically and without disturbing customer comfort.

Our population is growing and with it our demand for energy. In the summer, hundreds of thousands of air conditioners (AC) operating at the same time can sometimes push California's electrical system beyond capacity. This can, at times, cause a state or local energy supply emergency which could result in power interruptions.

Effectively managing electric demand during the occasional peaks in demand is a responsible way to help control costs, reduce the impact on the environment and reduce the need to build power plants that will only be utilized in the event of a energy supply emergency. For years, large businesses have been reducing demand when called on to help ease the strain on our energy resources, and now SmartAC technology makes it simple for residential and small business customers to help too, by making demand reductions automatic when needed. You don't have to think about it and you probably won't even notice when it happens. Think of it as energy conservation "on demand."

How does the SmartAC program work?

• SmartAC basics. Installed on or near your air conditioner (AC) unit for free, SmartAC technology can be remotely activated in anticipation of a state or local energy supply emergency. When activated, your AC will do what it would normally do for about 15 minutes of every half hour—make cool air. For the other 15 minutes, your system fan will circulate already cool air and your AC will make cool air again when the next 15-minute cycle begins. You'll likely not even notice when this happens. In fact, in a survey of sample participants, 93 percent didn't notice a change. SmartAC technology is installed by a certified technician and maintained for free as long as you participate in the SmartAC program.
• SmartAC comfort promise. With the exception of extreme emergencies, if SmartAC technology is activated during a day you do not wish to participate, you're in control. You can always login or call a PG&E SmartAC representative at 1-866-908-4916 and opt-out for the day without penalty, returning your air conditioner to its previous settings.*
• SmartAC schedule. SmartAC is only activated between May 1 and October 31 and never for more than six hours per day.
• SmartAC rewards. Receive $25 for every SmartAC device installed at your home or business. Plus, participants enjoy additional rewards and prizes, which will be given away during special promotions.
• SmartAC benefits. When you participate in SmartAC you help prevent power interruptions and the building of power plants that would only be utilized in the event of an energy supply emergency. Plus, your participation helps control costs and reduces the impact on the environment.

SmartAC Technology SmartAC equipment and installation are free and come with PG&E's free technical support and customer service, as long as you remain a part of the SmartAC program. Plus, there are two forms of technology currently being offered.
	SmartAC Switch is installed on or near the outside of the air conditioner. For convenience, this installation does not require an appointment.
	SmartAC Thermostat A $200 value—replaces your existing thermostat and makes conserving energy easy with programmable schedules for both heating and air conditioning. It can be programmed manually or via the Internet, helping you conserve energy all year long. Thermostat User Guide (PDF, 324 KB)

Program Requirements

SmartAC technology is designed to fit air conditioners or heat pumps in both residential and small business properties: Anyone can participate regardless of whether you own or lease.

Homeowners/Renters

• Must have central air conditioning or a heat pump in suitable operating condition
• SmartAC technology cannot be installed on evaporative coolers and window or wall units
• Life support and medical baseline customers do not qualify to participate
• If you own your home, sign up online
• If you rent/lease, you must have permission from the property owner or manager
  More information for renters

Small Business Owners

• Must be a small- or medium-sized business with a central air conditioning unit or heat pump under 200 kW that is in suitable operating condition
• SmartAC technology cannot be installed on evaporative coolers and window, or wall units
• If you own your small business space, sign up online
• If you rent/lease, you must have permission from the property owner or manager
  More information for renters

Property Managers

• Each premises must have its own central air conditioning or heat pump in suitable operation condition
• SmartAC technology cannot be installed on evaporative coolers and window or wall units
• Life support and medical baseline customers do not qualify to participate
• Written permission must be obtained from each tenant

*The ability to opt out for the day may not be available in the event of an extreme emergency.