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PowerCentsDC™ Program Fact Sheet
PowerCentsDC is a "smart" meter pilot program for approximately 1200 customers of Pepco DC. Participants – who will continue to be customers of Pepco – receive a smart meter, a smart thermostat (if desired and the residence qualifies), and new energy price plans that allow savings for customers who reduce consumption
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during hours when wholesale electricity prices are high. It is sponsored by Smart Meter Pilot Program, Inc., a non-profit organization comprised of the Consumer Utility Board, the District of Columbia Office of the People's Counsel, the District of Columbia Public Service Commission, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Pepco.
Purpose:
Prices in the energy market change from hour to hour and day to day based on demand. This program tells participants when the prices are going to be high so that they can use less energy and possibly save money on their electric bill. In addition, if PowerCentsDC proves successful, it will provide benefits and opportunities to all customers in the District by reducing demand for energy when costs are high and helping to protect the environment.
Program Status:
PowerCentsDC will begin switching participants to the PowerCentsDC rates on July 21, 2008. Prior to switching, each participant will receive a letter with his or her individual start date and additional program information to assist him or her in benefiting from the program. This will include savings tips and a refrigerator magnet reminder of key program features. PowerCentsDC is scheduled to end in mid 2010, after approximately two years of operation.
Time-Based Prices:
PowerCentsDC is testing three different time-based price plans. Customers on these pricing plans can control their energy bill by reducing energy consumption during critical peak periods or when hourly prices are high. Each participant signed up for one of the three price plans: 1) Critical Peak Pricing, 2) Critical Peak Rebate, or 3) Hourly Pricing. Participants should contact PowerCentsDC with any questions about their price plan, including questions about when critical peak hours may occur.
Savings Opportunities:
On average, participants who make no changes in their energy use will pay the same bill on PowerCentsDC as on the Pepco Standard Offer Service (their current electricity price). Some participants who make no changes could pay a small percentage more over the course of the year, while others could pay a small percentage less. The amount of savings participants can achieve will depend on how much they can reduce their electricity usage during the critical peak periods or during high cost hours, as well as their overall usage. Also, some participants will receive incentive payments (customers on the critical peak pricing and hourly pricing plans). Participants should contact PowerCentsDC regarding their specific pricing plan to better understand the potential savings.
Smart Meter:
Each participant receives a "smart" meter that records when electricity is used. The smart meter sends the information back to Pepco over a radio signal each day. Along with their monthly bill, participants will receive a chart of when they use electricity. Seeing how and when their power is used may help consumers save energy.
Smart Thermostat:
Eligible participants with central air conditioning may select a free smart thermostat as part of the program. Using radio signals, Pepco can control the thermostat remotely to assist participants in reducing energy usage. The thermostat also provides additional information about energy use, such as an estimate of the monthly bill to date since the last bill.
Contact Information:
Program participants should contact PowerCentsDC with any questions at (888) 232-5949 or info@powercentsdc.org.
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