How does Peak Conserve work?   

Peak Conserve helps us maintain a dependable electric system by reducing strain on the grid when demand is highest. Not only will you get rewards for being a member, including a $50 enrollment bonus and up to $25 for each year you participate, but you may also see lower bills in the summer.

How do I receive my annual bonus?

To receive the annual participation bonus, Peak Conserve members must remain enrolled in the program from the date of enrollment through September 30. The bonus amount will be based on your participation in Peak Events each summer.

How do I enroll?

Peak Conserve is no longer accepting applications, but if eligible, you can enroll in our My Energy Optimizer® (smart thermostat) program. Please visit MyEnergyOptimizer for more information.  

What can affect my eligibility?

You must own your home to participate in Peak Conserve. A few other factors can affect your eligibility, such as:

• Enrolling in SMUD's My Energy Optimizer (smart thermostat) program.
• Enrolling in SMUD's Medical Equipment Discount (MED) Rate.
• Replacing a pre-qualified HVAC system.

If you have questions about your eligibility, please email us at SaveEnergy@smud.org.

How do I participate in Peak Conserve?

Currently enrolled customers will be notified if we schedule a Peak Event. You don't have to do anything to participate—the device will automatically cycle off your air conditioner during these events, which will only occur as needed in the summer.

What's the Peak Conserve cycling device and how does it work with my air conditioner?

The device installed on your home’s central air conditioner will turn off (cycle) the unit during Peak Events only to help reduce the overall amount of electricity being used during extreme weather conditions. For each hour of an event, your air conditioner will be cycled off for 20 minutes, come back on for 10 minutes, and then repeat the process. In total, your air conditioner will be cycled off 40 minutes each hour of the event to help stabilize the electric system. Each event will likely last less than 2 hours and will not occur more than once a day. Your fan will continue to run and no other appliances will be affected.

What if there’s a problem with the cycling device?

Please email SaveEnergy@smud.org if there's any issue with the cycling device.

What's a Peak Event?

When it gets so hot that the demand for energy spikes, we'll schedule a Peak Event. During these events, we'll activate the Peak Conserve device to cycle off your air conditioner up to 40 minutes an hour, to help flatten the demand and keep energy prices down. Your fan will continue to run and no other appliances will be affected.

Peak Events will only be scheduled between June 1 to September 30. Typically, they’ll be 2 hours long or less, not more than 4 hours and occur in the afternoon or evening. We anticipate a maximum of 15 Peak Events each summer, depending on weather and grid conditions.

• Occur between June 1 and September 30
• Based on times of high energy demand
• Limited to one event per day
• Will typically last 2 hours or less, and no more than 4 hours
• Will occur on weekdays and/or weekends between noon and midnight
• Events lasting more than 2 hours are limited to no more than 3 events per week

How will I know when a Peak Event is scheduled?

We'll email participants before a Peak Event and we’ll never cycle your air conditioner on non-event days.

Can I opt out of a Peak Event?

Yes, you can opt out of an event by calling 1-888-742-7683 or emailing SaveEnergy@smud.org at least 15 minutes before the event begins.

How do I unenroll from Peak Conserve?

Please email your request to SaveEnergy@smud.org.