SmartAC™ switches

What is the SmartAC switch program?
The SmartAC program is voluntary and there's no penalty for non-participation. The program helps prevent power interruptions automatically with smart technology called switches. On hot summer days when demand increases because thousands of customers are using their air conditioning units, PG&E may remotely activate SmartAC switches in order to help maintain adequate power supplies and avoid power interruptions. This is called an "event".

• The SmartAC switch is activated only from May 1 through October 31.
• Air conditioners are one of the biggest users of electrical energy.
• SmartAC Event Days are typically between two and three hours and no more than six hours in a day even if there is an emergency.

Read SmartAC switch terms and conditions.

How much does it cost to participate?
SmartAC technology and installation are provided free of cost. You will receive $50 from PG&E after installation of a SmartAC switch.

Will I notice a big difference in temperature with SmartAC?
Generally, participants can expect a one to three degree increase in the temperature in their depending on the construction of the home. If activation occurs at an inconvenient time, you can opt out for the day via phone at 1-866-908-4916.

Will I save money on my PG&E bills with SmartAC?
The SmartAC program only slightly changes the amount of energy your AC uses, so it isn't likely you'll see savings. If savings is your goal, you may want to consider joining the SmartAC program with a smart thermostat.

Do I have to re-enroll in SmartAC every year?
No, it's a one-time enrollment.

Who is PG&E's authorized contractor for the program?
The SmartAC program authorized contractor is Franklin Energy. A Franklin Energy IBEW 1245 Union technician may contact you to:

• Help complete your enrollment
• Get your permission to install the SmartAC switch
• Install the SmartAC switch
• Help solve a technical issue you may have contacted us about
• Visit your home and carry out the free AC checkup
• Leave a Welcome Kit with your AC checkup results and program details
• Visit your home to inspect, maintain and potentially upgrade the SmartAC switch

What will the contractor be doing?
Franklin Energy will be installing a SmartAC switch to your Air Conditioning unit. If you already have a switch installed, then Franklin Energy will service the switch or replace it if needed. Franklin Energy also provides free support to assess whether or not our SmartAC device is resulting in your AC switch being controlled outside of SmartAC Event Days. Franklin Energy technicians will also assess your AC switch for other maintenance needs and provide recommendations that you can bring to your local licensed HVAC contractor.

How will I know they are a PG&E contractor?
They will have a PG&E SmartAC decal attached to their service truck. Additionally, the technician will have a Franklin Energy badge with them at all times.

Can I contact PG&E to confirm they are an authorized contractor
Yes, you may contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to confirm Franklin Energy is our authorized contractor. The PG&E SmartAC webpages will also display Franklin Energy as our authorized contractor.

What are the benefits of the SmartAC program?
FREE technical support of your air conditioning system as long as you are a customer in the SmartAC program. If you have a problem with your system, please CALL US FIRST at 1-866-908-4916. We'll troubleshoot to determine whether the SmartAC switch is the cause of your problem. If we determine that the problem is not related to the SmartAC switch, we will recommend that you consult with your service company.

• Free AC checkup
• You reduce the likelihood of power outages and help the environment
• By generating less electricity from fossil fuel plants during peak periods, fewer greenhouse gases are produced and that means cleaner air for all of us
• You'll receive $50 after installation of your switch

What do you check in the free AC check-up?
Prior to installing your SmartAC switch, our technician will complete a five-step inspection of your air conditioning unit. This inspection is performed at no cost to you and is designed to ensure that your unit will not let you down on the hot days of the summer.

1. Capacitor
2. Contactor
3. Grounding
4. AC housing
5. AC pet proofing

How and when do I get my $50?
A few weeks after enrollment, a SmartAC technician will conduct a free checkup of your air conditioner. The technician will then install the SmartAC switch. A few weeks later, we'll send you a check for $50.

What if I’m on an energy reducing program with a company other than PG&E?
If you are a participant on another energy incentive program, you cannot enroll in PG&E's SmartAC Program.

I’m enrolled in SmartRate. What happens if I join SmartAC?
If you are a participant on SmartRate, you cannot join SmartAC. If you were already participating in both SmartRate and SmartAC prior to October 26th, 2018, you may continue to do so.

What are the differences between SmartAC Event Days and SmartDays?

• SmartDays can happen any day of the year but usually when it is hottest, in summer. SmartAC events are only permitted May through October.
• There can be a maximum of 15 SmartDays. SmartAC doesn’t have a maximum but usually there are around 4 to 8 events per customer.
• SmartDay hours are 4-9 p.m. SmartAC events don’t have set hours and are usually one to three hours in the late afternoon and evening.

What are the similarities between SmartAC Event Days and SmartDays?

• Both SmartAC events and SmartDays can be on the same day. If you are on both programs, the SmartAC switch will cycle your air conditioner during the SmartDay hours only.
• Event Days are usually on summer weekdays.
• Event Days can, however, happen on the weekend, although it is rare.

What support is available?
For technical questions about your SmartAC switch or if your AC unit is not operating correctly, please call 1-866-908-4916, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

I lost my welcome kit. Can I get another one?
Yes, the Welcome Kit is available online. Download Congratulations! Your SmartAC™ installation is almost complete (PDF, 77 KB).

We do not email, text or phone you if there is an event. Most customers do not notice when their SmartAC switch is activated. Energy supply issues are unpredictable and the SmartAC Program may be called upon to help prevent power interruptions with very short notice. SmartAC Event Days are posted on PG&E's website and on and the SmartAC web pages by 11 a.m. the day of an event.

What switch is currently installed for the SmartAC program?
As of August 2017, PG&E began installing the Energate LC2200 Load Control Switch.

Where can I find information about the switch at my house?

Eaton LCR6200Z

Energate LC2200

Cannon Tech/Cooper Power LC5200

UtilityPro thermostat

ExpressStat thermostat

Can the SmartAC switch damage AC units?
No, SmartAC switches won't damage AC units. When wired correctly, they can't cause a capacitor to wear out or stop functioning and will not blow a fuse. Before the hot summer months, it's very important to have a trusted HVAC technician service your unit. The technician will need to make sure your unit is ready for summer with proper Freon levels and is in good operating condition. If a SmartAC switch is not wired correctly, it will not power up and will not harm an AC.

What AC equipment works with SmartAC technology?
SmartAC technology works with single-stage standard central air conditioners and heat pumps.

What if I have a smart thermostat?
Smart thermostats are compatible with SmartAC switches if they are installed properly. If not properly installed, some Nest thermostats can cause a temporary flashing light on the switch.

Nest Gen 2 thermostats display an error message on Event Days/Hours. However, there's no functional impact and the message can serve as notification that an event is in progress.

Why have I been contacted about upgrading my SmartAC switch?
If you received a notification from PG&E about an upgrade to your SmartAC switch, our contractor Franklin Energy will be sending a technician to upgrade the SmartAC switch installed on your outdoor air conditioner to a newer model. This new switch will help the SmartAC program run more efficiently and further support California’s efforts towards a clean and reliable grid. To thank you for your continued participation in SmartAC, you will receive a $25 check in the mail 4-6 weeks after your switch has been upgraded.

Can I opt out?
Participants may call a SmartAC™ representative at 1-866-908-4916 and opt out of an event for the day, without penalty. The AC will be returned to its previous operational setting.