Frequently Asked Questions

BGE Smart Energy Savers Programs℠

BGE Conservation & Energy Efficiency Programs

PeakRewards℠

BGE’s Energy Saver Switch/Rider 5 Participants

Do I have to contact BGE to choose a new PeakRewards℠ program switch or thermostat?
Can I get the new thermostat instead of the outdoor air conditioning switch?
As a customer in BGE’s existing Energy Saver Switch program, will I receive my bill credits this summer?
What does the new program offer that I don’t already have?

DRI Pilot Customers

Smart Thermostat

Smart Switch

Smart Meters

BGE Smart Energy Savers Program℠

What is BGE's Smart Energy Savers Program℠?

BGE's Smart Energy Savers Program℠ is a family of smart choices that will help you save energy, money and improve the environment. By providing a variety of programs, services and incentives, we are working to accomplish these goals together with you, our valued customers.

What are the benefits of the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program℠?

BGE's Smart Energy Savers Program℠ enables customers to control energy use, especially during peak periods, leading to more efficient use of electricity and potentially lowering the energy bills.

The programs collectively help contain the cost of energy and improve reliability. They also help to reduce peak demand and slow the growth in energy consumption to help reduce the need for more power plants.

Can customers participate in more than one of the BGE Smart Energy Savers Programs℠?

Yes. Visit BGESmartEnergy.com to review other offers.

BGE Conservation & Energy Efficiency Programs

What conservation programs does BGE offer?

On June 20, 2007, BGE received Maryland Public Service Commission approval to offer the following to our customers:

Compact Fluorescent Light Bulb mark-down program
- $1.50 off single bulbs
- $3.00 off multi-packs
- Customers do not need to clip coupons, bring their statement, or look through the circular to take advantage of this offer. At participating retailers, the prices on ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs have already been marked-down so customers immediately benefit at check-out. This offer is open to any customer who walks into the participating stores.
Rebates on ENERGY STAR® qualified appliances
- $50-$75 off clothes washers
- $50 off freezers
- $50 off refrigerators

Why is BGE involved in conservation programs?

As global energy prices have risen, we want to provide our customers with options to help them control their energy costs, save money and help protect the environment. Additionally, we are responding to Governor O’Malley’s EmPOWER law to reduce Maryland’s per capita energy consumption 15% by 2015.

Who pays for these programs and how much do they cost?

Energy efficiency programs, like the ENERGY STAR® rebates and discounts offered as part of BGE’s Smart Energy Savers Program℠ benefit all BGE residential customers. They help to reduce energy use and control energy costs. Using less energy reduces the need for new power plants and transmission lines, saving money for all customers. It also provides significant environmental benefits.

BGE residential customers pay a small electric efficiency charge included in their electric distribution rate. This electric efficiency charge was approved by the Maryland Public Service Commission and amounts to $.00035 per kWh. For a typical home that uses 1,000 kWh per month, the electric efficiency charge currently amounts to about $0.35 per month. You can easily offset this cost by installing just one CFL in a high use fixture such as a porch light or kitchen light.

Why does every customer have to pay the surcharge?

Every customer will benefit either directly or indirectly (either immediately or in the future). BGE’s conservation programs were introduced, first and foremost, to help individual customers reduce their monthly bills by helping to educate them on the long term investment advantages of purchasing equipment as small as a CFL or as large as an ENERGY STAR® refrigerator. The old counterparts, like the incandescent bulb, on the surface, may appear to be cheaper but the long-term investment will save money for customers.

How many retailers are involved in BGE’s CFL Mark-down program?

The Home Depot - 25
Costco - 4
Giant Food - 47 (Look for the SmartLiving brand)
Sam's Club - 7
BGE continues work to bring on more distributor/retailers to increase our customers’ choices and convenience in finding compact fluorescent bulbs at discounted prices.
To locate a store near you, visit BGESmartEnergy.com/energyefficiency/participating-locations

How many retailers are involved in BGE’s ENERGY STAR® Appliance Rebate Program?

BGE residential electric customers can purchase a qualifying appliance at any appliance retailer. They must then complete a rebate application form to receive a rebate. Rebate forms can be downloaded at www.BGESmartEnergy.com/energyefficiency/appliance-rebates. You can also go to www.energystar.gov. which lists the model numbers of appliances rated ENERGY STAR® that qualify for the rebate, or you can simply call 1-800-845-6195 for more information.

Why is BGE involved with ENERGY STAR®?

BGE has always looked for ways to help our customers save energy and money while helping to protect the environment. Educating our customers about the benefits of ENERGY STAR® helps us, in part, achieve that goal. ENERGY STAR® provides gratis resources BGE is using to enhance its programs.

What does ENERGY STAR® qualified mean?

ENERGY STAR® is a nationally recognized, joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. If looking for new household products, look for ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR®. They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy. You can identify them by the blue ENERGY STAR® label.

How much will ENERGY STAR® qualified products save customers?

A CFL* saves customers up to $65 per bulb over its lifetime
- CFLs use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than standard incandescent bulbs
A clothes washer* using an electric water heater saves customers up to $377 in electricity costs per unit over its lifetime of 11 years
A refrigerator* saves customers up to $135 per unit in electricity costs over its lifetime of 13 years
A freezer* saves customers up to $77 per unit in electricity costs over its lifetime of 11 years
A dishwasher saves customers up to $157 in electricity costs per unit over its lifetime of 11 years
A room air conditioner saves customers up to $477 in electricity costs over its lifetime of 9 years

* = eligible for BGE rebate or discount

How many ENERGY STAR® qualified product choices do I have?

According to ENERGY STAR®, there are:

More than 2,500 types of compact fluorescent bulbs* from which to choose
Over 300 qualifying clothes washers*
Almost 800 qualifying dishwashers
Over 2,400 qualifying refrigerators and freezers*
Over 800 qualifying room air conditioners

* = eligible for BGE rebate or discount

Where can I find more information?

Visit www.BGESmartEnergy.com for the latest in BGE conservation and energy efficiency program offerings. Customers can also call 1-800-845-6195 for more information.

Is BGE planning to expand these conservation programs?

BGE has filed with the Maryland Public Service Commission to launch a broader and more extensive portfolio of conservation programs. The current CFL discounts and the appliance rebate program will continue, so all customers have ongoing opportunities to save.

PeakRewards℠

What is BGE’s PeakRewards℠?

Through this option, participating customers get their choice of either a professionally installed Honeywell programmable thermostat or an outside switch installed on their heat pump or central air conditioner that will help reduce energy consumption and costs.

Participants agree to allow BGE to cycle the central air conditioner or heat pump during peak electric demand. Participants receive credits on the summer bills based on the chosen cycling option. There are three different cycling participation levels or cycling options to choose.

What are the benefits to participating in PeakRewards℠?

By participating in PeakRewards℠, you save money, save energy and help the environment.

When you enroll in this program, you can save up to $100 per summer with a matching $100 bonus in your first year of participation. The amount you save depends on what percentage of the time you choose to allow BGE to cycle your device (thermostat or switch).

Using the thermostat’s programming features year-round, you could see additional energy-use reductions compared to not using the programmable feature. ENERGY STAR® data indicates that you can expect to see about a $150 annual energy saving from the proper use of a programmable thermostat versus that of a non-programmable thermostat.

In addition, energy-saving programs like BGE’s PeakRewards℠ program will reduce the over-all demand for electricity in the Mid-Atlantic region, which will result in electricity prices that are lower than they otherwise would have been.

What are the “cycling participation levels”?

This is a key component of the PeakRewards℠ program. As a PeakRewards℠ participant, you are able to choose among 3 different program participation options with respect to your cycling participation level:

50% Cycling Option: If you select this option, your air conditioner will be cycled off 50 percent of the time it would normally run during an emergency cycling event, typically resulting in a minimal change in temperature. This option is a good choice for households where someone is usually home during the day in the summer.
75% Cycling Option: If you select this option, your air conditioner will be cycled off 75 percent of the time it would normally run during an emergency cycling event, resulting in a slight increase in temperature. This option is a good choice for households where someone is occasionally home during the day in the summer.
100% Cycling Option: If you select this option, your air conditioner will be cycled off 100 percent of the time during a cycling event, resulting in a noticeable increase in temperature. This option is a good choice for households where no one is usually home during the day in the summer.

What is "peak electric demand"?

Electricity usage fluctuates hourly due to weather conditions, business hours of commercial and industrial companies, and residential electric usage. During the hot summer months, there’s greater demand for cooling homes and businesses that can create a “peak electric demand” for electricity use. This “peak electric demand” refers to the point of highest usage of electricity over a certain period of time.

How does cycling work?

In the summer months, during periods of very high electricity use in the Central Maryland Region, a radio signal may be sent to your switch or your thermostat to interrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor on your air conditioner or heat pump for a period of time each half-hour. This is called cycling since the compressor is turned off and on intermittently. If it is on, the indoor fan will continue to run for cooling, while electricity to the compressor is adjusted. Cycling reduces the peak demand for energy, helping to maintain reliable service and keep down the cost of electricity.

How many times will BGE cycle my air conditioner each year?

BGE is unable to predict the number of times it will cycle air conditioners each year. The decision to cycle is based on a number of factors including transmission congestion, generation resource availability, weather, wholesale electric prices, customer comfort, distribution system constraints, and others. PJM, the Regional Transmission Organization which BGE belongs to, requires load response resources to be available up to 10 times per year up to 6 hours per event. Typically, BGE will attempt to minimize the number and length of cycling events each year.

What is the difference between an “emergency” and “non-emergency” cycling event?

Emergency Event: During an emergency event, regional demand for electricity is very close to surpassing regional supply, and BGE is required to activate its PeakRewards℠ program.

Non-Emergency Event: On occasion, BGE may activate its PeakRewards℠ program when regional demand is not very close to surpassing regional supply, however the wholesale price of electricity is very high. Activating the PeakRewards℠ program during these non-emergency events results in electricity prices that are lower than they otherwise would have been.

During an “emergency” cycling event:

For a participation level of 50%, your air conditioner's compressor will run for ½ the time (each hour) that it would normally run during a cycling event.
For a participation level of 75%, your air conditioner's compressor will run for ¼ of the time (each hour) that it would normally run during a cycling event.
For a participation level of 100%, your air conditioner's compressor will not run for the duration of the cycling event.

During a “non-emergency” cycling event all PeakRewards℠ participants will be cycled at a 50% participation level.

What time of day does cycling occur?

Typically, cycling occurs between 1p.m. and 7p.m. although the actual duration of each cycling event will vary.

Historically, how many “emergency” cycling events does BGE have each year?

On average, since 1989 BGE has called approximately 1 emergency cycling event per year.

Historically, how many “non-emergency” cycling events does BGE have each year?

On average, since 1989 BGE has called approximately 6 non-emergency cycling events per year.

Historically, how long do cycling events last?

On average, since 1989 “emergency” cycling events have lasted approximately 5 ¾ hours. Non-emergency cycling events have lasted approximately 4 hours.

How will cycling effect the temperature in my home?

Cycling levels and outdoor temperature play key roles in how much the indoor temperature rises. During the BGE Smart Energy Savers Pilot Program conducted during the summer of 2007, BGE tested temperature changes in customers' homes. The data indicated that the average increase for the majority of customers was around 2°F (1.11°C) for cycling levels of 50% and 75% during a 4 hour cycling event.

What are the best ways to keep myself and my home cool during a cycling event?

There are several ways customers can keep cool during cycling events. They include the following:

Draw the curtains to shade your home from direct sunlight.
Turn on attic and ceiling fans to circulate the air.
If ductwork is in the basement or internal to the home, turn the thermostat fan “on.”
If ductwork is in the attic, do not turn the thermostat fan “on.”
Drink plenty of cold liquids and stay hydrated.

When can I expect to have credits appear on my bill?

Upon installation of your device (switch or thermostat), bill credits are paid equally over a 4 month period from June – September each year (i.e. $12.50/month for the $50 program, $18.75/month for the $75 program, and $25/month for the $100 program). If your device is installed during the summer months (June – September), the credit will be paid out for all subsequent summer months (i.e. if installed in July, you will receive 3 months of credits paid for July, August and September). If installed after your meter reading (the mailing of your monthly bill) in a summer month, you will not receive the credits for that month. There will be no prorating of credits based upon the timing of your enrollment and installation.

When can I expect to receive my bonus?

A “sign-up” bonus (i.e. matching incentive) will be paid to participating customers upon installation as follows:

The sign-up bonus will be equal to the first year's bill credits paid over the same period (i.e. for a $50 bill credit participant, an additional $12.50/month paid equally over a 4 month period from June – September during the customer's first full year of participation).
If installed during the summer months (June – September), the remaining matching incentive will be paid in the subsequent summer months (i.e. installed in July, 3 months of bonus paid July – September, then 1 additional month in June of the following year).
If installed in October – May, sign-up bonus will be paid in the subsequent 4-month period from June – September.
Matching incentive paid per the number of devices installed at the premise.
Matching incentive will be displayed separately on the customer’s bill.
No prorating of credits based upon the timing of a customers enrollment and installation.

Can I override or cancel participation in a cycling event?

If cycling is in effect on a day when you want to keep your current level of air conditioning, you now have the ability to “override” the system during non-emergency cycling events. This will enable your air conditioners compressor to run without interruption from BGE’s installed device. PeakRewards℠ participants are allowed 2 overrides per year. Overrides can be done by calling a call center representative at 1-888-309-PEAK (7325).

How soon will my compressor resume normal operation if I cancel my participation during a cycling event?

Normal AC unit operation should resume within 15 minutes from the receipt of the request to override the cycling event.

Can I have multiple devices (e.g., thermostats and/or switches) installed?

Customers with more than one air conditioner unit can have multiple devices installed, and their credit and matching incentive will be multiplied by the number of devices installed.

Can I have multiple devices installed with different cycling participation levels for each?

Customers can have a mix of the two technologies (i.e., thermostat and switch) if they have multiple air conditioning systems. Customers with multiple devices can choose different cycling options among the devices.

BGE’s Energy Saver Switch/Rider 5 Participants

Do I have to contact BGE to choose a new PeakRewards℠ program switch or thermostat?

No, as a current program participant, you are automatically enrolled in the new program upon installation of the upgraded switch.

If you don’t contact us to choose the new thermostat, our PeakRewards℠ technicians will upgrade the existing outside switch on your heat pump or air-conditioner automatically with the new PeakRewards℠ switch. You’ll receive higher money-saving bill credits and a bonus without having to take any action. If there are special circumstances preventing installation, BGE will contact you.

Can I get the new thermostat instead of the outdoor air conditioning switch?

Yes, that is one of the many options you have with the new PeakRewards℠ program. To get the new Honeywell programmable thermostat installed, please contact us toll free at 1-888-309-PEAK (7325). We will work with you to schedule a convenient time.

As a customer in BGE’s existing energy saver switch program, will I receive my bill credits this summer?

Yes, you will continue to receive the current programs bill credit ($40/season) but will begin receiving a higher credit of at least $50 each summer once your new PeakRewards℠ equipment is installed.

For the first four summer months after your equipment upgrade, you will also receive an additional matching bill credit to thank you for continuing to participate in the program. PeakRewards℠ offers additional program participation options which would result in even more money saving credits up to $100 per summer.

For more about these saving options, please call the toll-free hotline 1-888-309-PEAK (7325) or visit BGESmartEnergy.com/PeakRewards.

What does the new program offer that I don’t already have?

Choices!
Choice of Equipment – You can choose either to continue with the air conditioner switch program with upgraded technology, or upgrade to a Honeywell programmable thermostat. You will receive the latest in air conditioner switch, or “smart” programmable thermostat technology. The thermostat has a number of user-friendly, energy-saving features.
Choose Your Incentives – You can choose your seasonal credit level of $50, $75, or $100 paid for the 4 summer months. In addition, when you upgrade to the new equipment you will also receive a one-time matching enrollment bonus (an additional $50, $75, or $100 depending on the seasonal credit level you select) for the first full year of program participation.
Choose Your Cycling Participation Level – You can choose from three program participation levels which determines your cycling participation level. A cycling level of 50% will earn you a bill credit of $50, a cycling level of 75% will earn you a bill credit of $75, and a cycling level of 100% will earn you a bill credit of $100.

DRI Pilot Customers

When is the PeakRewards℠ program going to be available to the customers who participated in the BGE Smart Energy Savers℠ Demand Response Infrastructure (DRI) Pilot Program?

BGE’s PeakRewards℠ program will be available to DRI pilot customers in June 2008. BGE will send pilot customers a mailing before we promote the program to non-pilot participants, giving pilot customers the opportunity to be the first to participate in the new program.

How will BGE transition pilot customers to the new program?

Customers will receive a mailing offering a choice of an upgraded switch, a newer version of the programmable thermostat, or removal from the program. Once the customer enrolls, BGE will schedule the device installation. Upon installation of the device(s) you will be fully enrolled in the new program.

What happens if I don’t call BGE to sign up for the new program?

Switch customers who do not contact BGE will receive the $50 DRI credit for the four summer months of 2008. BGE technicians will upgrade the switch during the course of the summer and move the customer to the new program.
Thermostat customers who do not contact BGE will receive the DRI credit for the summer of 2008. No credits will be applied during the summer of 2009 or beyond unless the customer contacts BGE to be upgraded to one of the new program technologies (i.e., a newer switch or thermostat).

Will my pilot thermostat or switch be cycled during the summer of 2008?

No. Devices installed for the pilot will not be controlled during future cycling events beginning the summer of 2008 and beyond.

Will I receive my $50 credit this summer and beyond?

Pilot customers will receive at least the $50 DRI credit for the summer of 2008 unless the customer requests to be removed from the program. The new program gives participation options which could result in higher credits.
There will be no $50 DRI credit for pilot customers for the summer of 2009 and beyond unless the participant is upgraded to the new program and has one of the new technologies installed (i.e., a newer switch or thermostat).

If I choose to not sign up for the new program and I want to keep the existing thermostat, can I?

Yes. A pilot customer who decides not to sign up for the new program can keep the existing thermostat.

Why can I no longer adjust my thermostat online?

BGE’s contract with the vendor offering this feature for the pilot has ended. However, coming in late 2008, the Honeywell programmable thermostat will have an Internet interface which will allow you to visit a secure web site and remotely program the thermostat yourself.

Why should I participate in the new program?

Customers are encouraged to transition to the new program for several reasons:

More Choices – Customers will be given the ability to choose between 3 different program participation options with respective credit levels of $50, $75, or $100 for the 4 summer months.
More Incentives – Customers transitioning to the new program are also eligible for a one-time matching enrollment bonus (an additional $50, $75, or $100 depending on the program participation option selected) for the first full year of participation.
Upgraded Technology – Customers will receive the latest in “smart” programmable thermostat or switch technology along with the user-friendly features to which they have become accustomed during the pilot.
Help The Environment - By moving to the new program, you are helping to reduce emissions from current and future power plants.
Help System Reliability – By moving to the new program, you continue to provide BGE with the peak load reduction capability the Central Maryland Region needs for system reliability.

Other Important Benefits:

Reduced need for additional electric power generation plants.
Reduced need for additional electric delivery infrastructure (e.g. electric transmission and distribution lines).
Downward pressure on the wholesale price of electricity.

Smart Thermostat

How does the Smart Thermostat work?

In the summer months, during periods of high electricity use in the Central Maryland region, a radio signal may be sent to your Smart Thermostat to regulate it. Your Smart Thermostat will interrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor and possibly to the FAN on your air conditioner for a period of time each half-hour. Please note that the FAN will keep working if the FAN switch is set to ON during the event, but it will be controlled along with the compressor if the FAN switch is in the AUTO position. This regulation of your air conditioner reduces your electricity use when reductions are needed the most, helping BGE to keep down the cost of electricity.

How will I know when BGE is cycling my thermostat?

You will see the word SAVE displayed in the thermostat window during a BGE cycling event.

Can I schedule a temporary thermostat setting for when I go on vacation?

Yes. The system allows you to schedule temporary thermostat setting.

How can I cancel a temporary thermostat schedule (i.e. vacation schedule)?

You can cancel a temporary thermostat schedule by calling toll free 1-888-309-PEAK (7325).

Will BGE change settings on my thermostat without my consent?

BGE will under no circumstances alter any thermostat settings after initial installation without authorization from you. During initial installation, BGE will set your thermostat per your requested settings or to the recommended settings in the Welcome Kit you received during your installation appointment. You can also call toll free 1-888-309-PEAK (7325) to have a Call Center representative remotely perform thermostat setting functions on your behalf.

Smart Switch

How does the Smart Switch work?

In the summer months, during periods of high electricity use in the Central Maryland region, a radio signal may be sent to your Smart Switch to regulate it. Your Smart Switch will interrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor on your air conditioner for a period of time each half-hour. Only electricity to the compressor is interrupted. The indoor fan will continue to run if your thermostat is set for cooling. This regulation of your air conditioner reduces your electricity use when reductions are needed the most, helping BGE to keep down the cost of electricity.

Does the installation of the Smart Switch impact my HVAC warranty?

No. The installation of the Smart Switch does not impact your HVAC warranty.

What is happening if the red or green light is lit or blinks on my Smart Switch box?

The red light on your Smart Switch box signals that a BGE cycling event is activated and your Smart Switch is adjusting compressor activity. A green light indicates that the device has power and is connected to the network. This has no effect on the compressor activity.

Smart Meters

What are Smart Meters?

Smart Meters are programmed to communicate electronically with BGE via a secure radio frequency. The meter sends BGE daily energy consumption data which will be stored and used to compute your monthly bill. Energy consumption is tracked hourly for both gas and electric meters. Once the program is fully operational, it will no longer be necessary for BGE to manually read your meter. We will be able to provide you with accurate, timely usage information, regardless of weather conditions, without having to set foot on your property.

What are the benefits of Smart Meters?

The future of Smart Meters brings online energy management. Smart Meters will offer more control than ever before for managing energy consumption. You will be able to track your energy use online at bge.com. Also, you will be able to see how you are using energy, monitor energy peaks and even learn ways to better manage energy use through demand response and energy-efficiency programs.

Are Smart Meters available now?

BGE is currently testing the advanced metering communication system. Assuming regulatory approval, eventually all customers will have advanced meters. We will update this site as we get further along in the testing phase and new information is available.