Power Saver Rewards Program

Help ease the strain on the electrical grid when energy is most in demand, benefit the environment — and get a bill credit too.

Power Saver Rewards

The Power Saver Rewards program is a voluntary, penalty-free and flexible way to earn rewards by saving energy use during times of high demand or other emergencies. By participating, you can help strengthen the grid, benefit the environment and earn a reward. Together, we can make a difference.

How It Works

When temperatures rise, the demand for cooling can put a strain on the electrical grid. During these times, the state's grid operator might call a Flex Alert or other grid warning asking everyone to voluntarily save energy. By joining  Power Saver Rewards, you can earn rewards for using less energy than your typical use during a Power Saver Rewards event. It's entirely voluntary to reduce your use during an event and there is no penalty if you choose not to participate. 

If you're a residential customer who wants to reduce your energy bill and help out when the grid is stressed  -- Power Saver Rewards might be right for you.

  • Program Season: The program runs from May 1 through October 31.
  • Program Activations: ·A Power Saver Rewards event can occur any day of the week, including holidays and weekends, between the hours of 4 - 9 p.m. A Power Saver Rewards event will be called when the state's power grid operator issues a Flex Alert or other grid emergency to maintain grid reliability.
  • Program Incentives: Eligible customers who reduce their energy use below their typical use during a Power Saver Rewards event, can receive a bill credit of $1.00 per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

Program Eligibility

  1. Be a residential electric customer with a smart meter within SDG&E’s territory.
  2. Not be a participant of other SDG&E energy incentive programs such as ELRP A.4 or A.5, Capacity Bidding or a third-party program. (Note: If you later enroll in these programs, you will be automatically unenrolled from the Power Saver Rewards Program.)
  3. Residential customers participating in Community Choice Aggregator (CCA) or Direct Access (DA) are eligible for the program.
  4. Customers with solar generation are eligible to participate.  
  5. View Official Terms and Conditions

Enroll Now

Join the Power Saver Rewards program by submitting an online application. It's quick and easy!

Enroll Now

Event Notifications

You'll get notified the day before a Power Saver Rewards event. Notifications will be sent to the email address you have on file with SDG&E. If you want to receive text messages about events or need to update your e-mail, go to My Energy Center.

For more information, you can contact our Customer Care Center by phone: 1-800-411-7343

Actions you can take to reduce energy use

Before 4pm Sun Up Icon
Before 4 p.m.
  •  Run high-energy-use appliances, such as your washer, dryer or dishwasher.
  • Precool your home by setting your thermostat to a lower temperature.
  • Block the heat by closing blinds or curtains to keep out the heat.
Between 4 - 9 p.m. Sun Down Icon
Between 4 - 9 p.m. 
  • Turn off lighting in any unused rooms.
  • Unplug electronics not in use, as they can draw power even when switched off.
  • Adjust your thermostat to 78 degrees, if health permitting or use a fan.

Get more energy-saving tips at sdge.com/summer.

Additional Information

The Power Saver Rewards fact sheet is available in English, Spanish and 20 additional languages. Browse additional languages

2.77 MB
PDF
Power Saver Rewards Fact Sheet - English
Power Saver Rewards Fact Sheet - English
2.47 MB
PDF
Power Saver Rewards Fact Sheet -Spanish
Power Saver Rewards Fact Sheet -Spanish

Frequently Asked Questions

You can unenroll from the Power Saver Rewards program by submitting an  online application. Once you unenroll you will no longer be eligible for bill credits. It may take up to 2 weeks to process your request to unenroll.

Customers who have been enrolled in Power Saver Rewards will receive an email or direct mail letter welcoming them to the program.

Go to My Energy Center > Click the “Account” tab > Click “Notification Settings” > Click “Billing and Account Updates.”

Make sure to add a check to the box that says “Text” and input the phone number to receive text notifications of Power Saver Rewards events along with other account and billing notifications.

Go to My Energy Center > Click “Account tab” and on "My Profile." Select the edit icon to edit your email or phone number.

All participants with an email on file will receive an email notification the day before a Power Saver Rewards event. Participants may not opt out of this email.

Power Saver Rewards customers can earn a bill credit by reducing energy use below their Typical Use during a Power Saver Rewards event.
Calculate Weekday Typical Use:
Monday through Friday

  1. Review your energy use the five weekdays before the event
  2.  Identify the three weekdays with the highest energy use between 4 - 9 p.m.
  3. Add the energy use of the three days (between 4 - 9p.m.) and divide by 3. This is your Typical Use.

Calculate Weekend/Holiday Typical Use:
Weekend (Saturday or Sunday) or holidays (Memorial Day, fourth of July, Labor day)

  1. Review your energy use for the three weekends/holidays before the event.
  2. Identify the day with the highest energy use between 4- 9 p.m.
  3. This days energy use is your Typical Use.

Please note: Days with a Power Saver Rewards event are not included in the Typical Use calculation.

If you conserved energy below your typical use during a Power Saver Rewards event, a bill credit will appear on your energy bill for the date of the event. This will usually happen within 31 days of the event.

Other Helpful Resources

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Residential Family
Energy Savings Assistance (ESA) Program

The ESA program offers no-cost, home-energy upgrades for eligible customers. 

Check eligibility and learn more at sdge.com/ESA.

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Man and contractor looking at blueprints and home
Save with Golden State Rebates

Get up to $900 in rebates on energy-efficient products.

Find out more at sdge.com/Rebates

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Flex Alert
Stay informed with Flex Alert Notifications

Flex Alerts are another helpful way to know when to save electricity. 

Sign up for notifications at flexalert.org(link is external)