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PowerCentsDC™ Program Fact Sheet
PowerCentsDC is a "smart" meter pilot program for approximately 800 to 900 customers of Pepco DC. Participants – who will continue to be customers of Pepco – received a smart meter, a smart thermostat (if desired and the residence qualified), and new energy price plans that allow savings for customers who reduce consumption during hours when wholesale electricity
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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 told participants when the prices were going to be high so that they could use less energy and possibly save money on their electric bill.
Program Status:
PowerCentsDC began switching participants to the PowerCentsDC rates on July 21, 2008. Prior to switching, each participant received a letter with his or her individual start date and additional program information to assist him or her in benefiting from the program. This included savings tips and a refrigerator magnet reminder of key program features. PowerCentsDC ended in October 2009, after operating for two summers and one winter of operation.
Time-Based Prices:
PowerCentsDC tested three different time-based price plans. Customers on these pricing plans were able to 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 were able to contact PowerCentsDC with any questions about their price plan, including questions about when critical peak hours may occur.
Savings Opportunities:
Time-Based Pricing was designed so that on average, participants who made no changes in their energy use would pay the same bill on PowerCentsDC as on the Pepco Standard Offer Service (their current electricity price). Participants faced the risk of paying more over the course of the year, while others paid less. The amount of savings participants achieved depended on how much they reduced their electricity usage during the critical peak periods or during high cost hours, their overall usage and wholesale market prices. Also, some participants received incentive payments (customers on the critical peak pricing and hourly pricing plans). Participants were able to contact PowerCentsDC regarding their specific pricing plan to better understand potential savings opportunities.
Smart Meter:
Each participant received a "smart" meter that recorded 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 received a chart of when they used electricity. Seeing how and when their power is used may help consumers save energy.
Smart Thermostat:
Eligible participants with central air conditioning were offered a free smart thermostat as part of the program. Using radio signals, Pepco could control the thermostat remotely to assist participants in reducing energy usage. The thermostat also provided additional information about energy use, such as a daily 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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