Air Conditioning Program
The PeakRewards Air Conditioning program is designed by BGE to help ease the “peak” demand for electricity in the Mid-Atlantic region. It is part of the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program®, which helps you conserve energy, save money and protect the environment.
During periods of high electricity use in the Mid-Atlantic region (typically the summer months), a radio signal may be sent to the programmable thermostat or outdoor switch to interrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor on your air conditioner or electric heat pump for a period of time each hour. This is called “cycling.” Cycling reduces the peak demand for electricity, helping to maintain reliable service and keep down the cost of electricity.
As of April 1, 2020, the PeakRewards Air Conditioning program will no longer accept new participants into the program.
During the hot summer months (June – September), demand for electricity is often at its highest. By activating a cycling events and reducing the amount of electricity used during these “peak demand” periods, BGE is helping to maintain reliable service while keeping down the cost of electricity for everyone.
If a PeakRewards event is taking place, you will see a banner at the top of this page. You can also sign up to receive email or text* alerts at BGE.com/MyNotifications.
The PeakRewards device installed at your residence will also display your cycling status.
- Programmable Thermostat — The word “SAVINGS” appears across the top of your thermostat screen.
- Outdoor Air Conditioning Switch — The light on the front of the switch will glow red instead of green.
- Smart Thermostat — When your thermostat shows the leaf icon, a cycling event is taking place. When the icon is gone, the event is over.
You should be able to view your cycling level change on your PeakRewards Online Access account within 24 – 48 hours. However, changes may take up to five business days in certain circumstances. As of April 1, 2020, PeakRewards participants may only request a decrease in their cycling level.
As of April 1, 2020, the PeakRewards Air Conditioning program will no longer accept new participants into the program.
If a problem with your device arises, please reach out to your HVAC technician for repairs. Prior to contacting a technician, you should determine if the air conditioning is off due to cycling by looking at the thermostat or the red light on the outside switch, by checking PeakRewards Online Access or by checking BGE’s Mobile App and viewing your cycling status. For issues not related to the PeakRewards device, please contact your local contractor.
Should you decide to discontinue your participation, you may keep the programmable thermostat or switch. However, the summer bill credits will no longer be applied to your BGE bill and you will not be able to re-enroll in the program again. To opt out of the program, simply call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (EST).
