Notification Frequently Asked Questions

In the event of a Critical Peak event day, PowerCentsDC will attempt to notify each participant the day prior to the CP day, so that the customer may take any desired measures to reduce their electricity usage during peak hours. The PowerCentsDC.org website will also have details of the CP day.

Participants may choose one or more of the following methods of notification – telephone, e-mail, or text message. There is not a limit to how many methods the participant may choose or to how many telephone numbers or e-mail addresses they may choose to have notification sent to.

There is no cost incurred by the customer from the PowerCentsDC program for their notification(s). The customer should be aware if their telephone, internet, or wireless service has the ability to allow them to receive notification, as well as if there may be any additional charges that may apply from their carrier or provider. PowerCentsDC is not responsible for charges a customer may incur for their telephone, internet or wireless service associated with notification. Customers who choose text message notification should check with their carrier to determine if additional charges apply for receiving text messages.

The customer will receive an auto-dialed, pre-recorded message at the telephone number(s) they elect to have called for notification. The brief (45 seconds or so) message will advise that a critical peak day will be the following day, and provide the toll-free PowerCentsDC number (1-888-232-5949) for the customer to call with any questions. If the customer subscribes to a Caller ID feature and their telephone supports Caller ID, the PowerCentsDC toll free number will display with the call. NOTE: Because the call is made using an automated dialing system, telephone numbers with extensions cannot be used, nor is it recommended that any number that goes to an answering service or receptionist be used.

The customer will receive a brief message at the e-mail address(es) they elect to have notification sent to. The message will be similar to the telephone message, but will also include a link to the PowerCentsDC.org web site and a reply-to e-mail address for questions or support, in addition to the toll free telephone number.

The customer will receive a VERY brief text message on their wireless telephone or other text-message-enabled communications device informing them of the critical peak event and providing the toll free telephone number for questions. The text message is shorter than the e-mail and telephone messages as text messages are generally limited to about 160 characters per message. Customers who prefer greater detail in the notification should elect to receive e-mail or telephone notification in addition to or instead of text notification.

Yes. Customers can change their notification method, add, or remove notification methods by calling the PowerCentsDC toll-free number at 1-888-232-5949. Customers should contact PowerCentsDC in the event that their preferred telephone number(s) or e-mail address(es) are changed or are disconnected so that they continue to receive critical peak notification.

The notifications will not begin until after the program start date in mid-July, and then not until the day prior to a Critical Peak day being declared. However, there will be one or two test messages sent in the month or so prior to the program beginning. The test messages will clearly indicate that they are a test but still include the toll free number for the customer to call with questions. Customers calling after a test message should be reassured that their electricity prices are not about to change/fluctuate, and that they should expect more information in the coming weeks about the official program start.