During periods of high energy demand, customers who agree to temporarily reducing their energy usage during TOU-BIP events have the potential to earn monthly bill credits, while also offering much needed relief to the electric grid.
How it works
You choose how much energy you need to stay up and running and we’ll provide advance notice of an impending power interruption, according to your preference. When a BIP event is initiated, we notify your designated contacts via email, phone, and/or text (SMS) that a period of interruption has begun. Events are limited to 1 per day, 10 per calendar month, and up to 6 hours each for a maximum of 180 hours per calendar year. Depending on your level of energy reduction, you’ll receive bill credits as compensation.
Ready to Apply?
You may enroll in the Time-of-Use Base Interruptible Program (TOU-BIP) at any time. To begin participation, you will need to:
Designate the service account you wish to enroll in TOU-BIP.
Submit the TOU-BIP Contract for Interruptible Service for review and approval, click on "Get Started".
Select your Participation Option (15- or 30-minute advance notice) and designate contacts to receive event notifications.
Select your Firm Service Level (FSL) During an event, you are expected to interrupt load to your specified FSL.
Participate in a Pre-Enrollment Test Event Prior to enrollment, you must demonstrate the ability to interrupt load to your specified FSL by participating in a pre-enrollment test event.
Is my business eligible for TOU-BIP?
To be eligible for TOU-BIP, your company must meet the following requirements:
Current SCE customer with monthly demands of 200 kW or greater
On a Time-of-Use or Real-Time Pricing rate schedule
Ability to reduce at least 15% of your maximum electrical demand (a minimum of 100 kW) during each interruption event
Have an interval meter for billing and monitoring purposes
TOU-BIP events are scheduled on a day-of basis— with either a 15- or 30- minute advanced notice— and may occur at any time (seven days a week, 365 days a year), but are limited to:
One event per day (up to six hours)
10 events per calendar month
180 hours per calendar year
How are bill credits calculated?
You receive monthly bill credits based on the difference between your average peak period kilowatt (kW) demand for each month and your FSL. Credits vary depending on the season, time of day (on-peak or mid-peak), voltage level and other factors, and credits apply whether or not TOU-BIP events are called in a given month.
Can I participate in other programs?
As a participant in TOU-BIP, dual enrollment in ELRP is permitted and provides a second opportunity for you to receive additional savings by reducing your energy usage during non-TOU-BIP events. No special equipment is needed to participate and there are no penalties if you a not able to reduce your energy usage during an event. To learn more, click here.
