Demand Response

Saving Energy When it Matters Most

Demand response helps reduce stress on the grid during high-use times, keeping our power system cleaner and more sustainable for San José.

demand response woman using smart thermostat scaled

WHAT IS DEMAND RESPONSE?

At certain times of day—like hot summer afternoons or cold winter evenings—many people use large amounts of electricity at the same time. These periods of high energy use are called “peak times.” When demand spikes, it puts stress on the grid, can cause power outages, and can increase costs or pollution from backup power sources.

Demand response is a way for households and businesses to work together to reduce energy use during “peak times.” Instead of relying on more expensive and polluting power plants, utilities and community energy providers like San José Clean Energy (SJCE) ask customers to use a little less energy for a short period. This could mean:

Turning up or down your thermostat a couple of degrees depending on the season
Pausing EV charging until later in the evening
Delaying the use of large appliances like dishwashers or laundry machines

In return, customers earn rewards such as bill credits for their participation. The idea is simple:

We all work together to use less electricity at the same time when the grid is busiest.

WHY IT MATTERS

Demand response helps keep our electricity system reliable, affordable, and clean, especially when everyone is using energy at once.

When energy use spikes during “peak times,” the grid comes under stress. If demand gets too high, it can lead to high electricity costs, power outages, and use of backup power plants that are more expensive and produce more pollution.

By shifting or reducing energy use during peak periods, we can:

Keep the lights on by preventing outages in our neighborhoods
Lower energy costs for everyone by avoiding the need for costly power generation
Cut pollution from fossil fuel plants and allow renewable energy to power our needs

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PEAK REWARDS

SJCE’s demand response program, Peak Rewards, is our way of helping you and the community save energy when it matters most.

How does Peak Rewards work?

Enroll once. Sign up with your PG&E account. You can also connect smart devices like a thermostat, or EV charger.
Get alerts.On days when energy use is expected to be especially high, you’ll get a message about a “Peak Rewards Event.”
Take action. If you’re enrolled in Peak Rewards for All, remember to use less energy by shutting off unnecessary appliances, manually adjusting any portable AC’s in your home, or temporarily pausing any charging of EVs. If your smart thermostat or EV charger is enrolled in Peak Rewards for Smart Homes, it will automatically make minor adjustments and earn you rewards!
Earn rewards. For helping during these events, you’ll receive bill credits right on your electricity bill.

Benefits of Peak Rewards

Save Money

Lower your bills with credits and rebates.

Protect the Community

Help prevent outages and keep energy cleaner and reliable for everyone.

Support Clean Energy

Reduce the need for fossil fuel power plants, which are often used when demand is highest.

You’re always in control

Participation is always your choice. You’ll get notifications before each Peak Rewards Event, and you can opt out at any time. If you use smart devices, you can override changes whenever you want.

Join Peak Rewards today

Small actions from you can make a big difference for San José. Together, we can keep power affordable, reliable, and clean.

Peak Rewards for All Peak Rewards for Smart Homes

FAQ

Do I need smart devices to join?

No. Anyone can sign up. If you don’t have smart devices, you can still participate by shifting your energy use during events. Smart thermostats, EV chargers, or batteries just make it easier.

How will I know when an event is happening?

We’ll send you a notification—by email or through your smart device partner—before each Peak Rewards Event.

What happens during an event?

Events usually last a few hours. You might be asked to raise your thermostat a few degrees, pause EV charging, or limit other large electricity use. If you have a smart device, small changes may happen automatically.

Will my home get uncomfortable?

No. Adjustments are small and temporary. You’re always in control and can override changes at any time.

How much can I earn?

Each event earns you bill credits. The more events you participate in, the more you save. Visit our Peak Rewards website for specifics on how much each kilowatt-hour or device enrollment can earn you.

Why should I participate?

You’ll lower your energy bills, help prevent power outages and support cleaner air by reducing the need for fossil fuel power plants.