Summer Discount Plan Details
SCE has two Commercial Summer Discount Plan options (Base Plan and Enhanced Plan). Each provides a choice of three cycling (or turn-off) options. The Enhanced Plan provides twice the credit when you allow SCE to turn off your air conditioner an unlimited number of times per year. Each requires a minimum of one year participation from the date your service on the program begins.
The chart below shows the difference between the Base Plan and Enhanced Plan, options, credits, and conditions to help you decide which program and option works best for you.
Caution: SDP is not recommended for anyone unable to tolerate high temperatures or who has health problems such as asthma, heart disease, or respiratory conditions.
Enrollment Forms (PDFs)
Schedule GS-1 and TOU-GS-1
| Turn-Off Options |
Time Length per Occurrence |
Base Plan Credits*
per calculated ton per day |
Enhanced Plan Credits*
per calculated ton per day |
| 100%** |
Off continuously for the entire duration of the cycling option |
$0.200 |
$0.400 |
| 50% |
Off 15 minutes out of every 30 minutes |
$0.070 |
$0.140 |
| 30% |
Off 9 minutes out of every 30 minutes |
$0.014 |
$0.028 |
Schedule GS-1 and TOU-GS-1
| Number of times the air conditioner may turn-off during the summer season |
| Base Plan Credits |
Enhanced Plan Credits |
| Maximum of 15 times, up to 6 hours per event. |
Unlimited number of times, up to 6 hours per day during the summer season. |
Schedule GS-2, TOU-GS-3, or TOU-8
| Turn-Off Options |
Time Length per Occurrence |
Base Plan Credits* per calculated ton per month |
Enhanced Plan Credits* per calculated ton per month |
| 100%** |
Off continuously for the entire duration of the cycling option |
$6.00 |
$12.00 |
| 50% |
Off 15 minutes out of every 30 minutes |
$2.10 |
$ 4.20 |
| 30% |
Off 9 minutes out of every 30 minutes |
$0.42 |
$ 0.84 |
Schedule GS-2, TOU-GS-3, or TOU-8
| Number of times the air conditioner may turn-off during the summer season |
| Base Plan Credits |
Enhanced Plan Credits |
| Maximum of 15 times, up to 6 hours per event. |
Unlimited number of times, up to 6 hours per day during the summer season. |
* The SDP credit amounts and program options are subject to change pursuant to decisions issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). In no event shall the amount of the SDP credit exceed the amount of the distribution portion of the Energy and Demand charges plus the total charge for generation of the customer's bill as calculated under the otherwise applicable tarriff (OAT). Base Rate Charges in effect June 10, 1996 per CPUC Tariff Schedules GS-APS and GS-APS-E.
**Customers choosing the 100% turn-off option should be aware of the effect this choice may have on air quality in relationship to California air quality standards. If you have a closed air circulation system, the 100% turn-off strategy may compromise air quality and negatively impact your ability to be in compliance with state air quality standards. Contact your air conditioner servicing business for more information about California air quality standards.
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Which Program Is Right for Me?
Signing up for the Base Plan allows SCE to turn-off (or "cycle") your air conditioner(s) a maximum of 15 times, up to 6 hours per occurrence during the summer season.
Signing up for the Enhanced Plan allows SCE to turn-off (or "cycle") your air conditioner(s) an unlimited number of occurrences, up to 6 hours per day during the summer season. The Enhanced Plan offers double the credit amount of the Base Plan.
The Summer Discount Plans are subject to the availability of turn-off devices and the compatibility of your working air conditioner to the device. The SDP credit amounts and program options are subject to change pursuant to the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).
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Program Season
Both the Base Plan and Enhanced Plan operate only during the summer season, when demand for electricity is generally at its peak. The summer season shall commence at 12:00 a.m. on June 1 and continue until 12:00 a.m. on October 1 of each year.
Program Credits
Upon SCE's receipt of the signed Participation Agreement, a work order will be issued for the installation of an SCE device(s) on your central air conditioner. SCE will then verify that the device(s) has been properly connected to your working air conditioner(s) and has been activated. Credit in accordance with the applicable rate will commence on the latter of the next meter read date or the first summer season billing month following of the installation of the control device and shall continue each month of the summer season thereafter whether or not any cycling has been performed during that month. Cycling devices are owned and operated by SCE.
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How Are Program Credits Calculated?
Your summer season electric bills will be reduced by a credit based on your current rate schedule, the cycling program, and option you select, and the calculated tonnage of the air conditioner participating in the program. Your daily calculated SDP credit* will appear on your first summer season electric bill after we have installed, verified, and activated the cycling device(s). Credits will continue automatically until 12:00 a.m. on October 1 of each year. The SDP credit* you will receive is calculated by SCE based on all of these factors:
- Your current rate schedule;
- The size of your central air conditioner(s) being cycled — the greater the calculated tonnage, the larger the credit. SCE calculates tonnage using these formulas:
Single Phase: (Amps x Volts) / 1,400 + .09 = Tons
Three Phase: (Amps x Volts) / 1,400 x 1.73 + .09 = Tons
- The program in which you participate – the Base Plan or Enhanced Plan;
- The cycling option that you select - 100%, 50% or 30%; and
- The amount of electricity you use.
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Tonnage Calculation
Credit calculations are based on the accurate actual amperage for each air conditioner unit. SCE calculates the tonnage on your air conditioner using the following formula:
- Single Phase: (Amps x Volts) / 1,400 + .09 = Tons
- Three Phase: (Amps x Volts) / 1,400 x 1.73 + .09 = Tons
How Are Summer Discount Plan Credits Determined?
To calculate your Summer Discount Plan credits, please call (800) 497-2813.
Turn-Off Device
The device is a small unit that is attached to the outside of your air conditioner(s). Activated by a remote radio signal it allows SCE to temporarily turn off (or "cycle") your air conditioner(s), when needed.
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Program Requirements
- You must have a central air conditioner in good working order prior to and during your participation. Turn-off devices will not be installed on non-operational air conditioners. If your central air conditioner becomes inoperable while on the SDP, you should have it repaired immediately. If it is discovered that your air conditioner is not in good working order, it may result in your removal from the program.
- Submit only one application for each customer service account number/location. Once we receive your partcipation agreement, we will determine your eligibility and, if qualiified we will create a work order for the installation of the control device.
- If you are a tenant, you are responsible for determining whether the approval of your property owner/manager is required for the installation and operation of the device prior to submitting your application.
- Program participation in any SDP is subject to the availability of devices and the compatibility of your air conditioner(s) to the device and adequate signal strength.
- The SDP requires a minimum of one-year participation from the date your service on the program begins, unless the program is suspended, modified, or terminated by the CPUC. Enrollment in the SDP will be continuous unless you notify SCE that you wish to terminate. Termination may not be done during the mandatory one-year participation period.
- Someone over the age of 18 must be present for the installation of the device. Please be sure to provide a telephone number where you can be contacted to schedule an appointment.
Appropriate SDP credits will be automatically applied to your next statement following SCE's verification of your device installation. SDP credit amounts and program options are subject to change pursuant to the California Public Utilities Commission and may not exceed your Base Rate charge.
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