The Capacity Bidding Program – Elect: Direct Participation Option (CBP-E Direct) allows customers to participate in the Capacity Bidding Program – Elect (CBP-E) directly through SCE. Earn incentives by reducing electricity use during high-demand periods, helping maintain grid reliability during critical conditions.
What is CBP-E Direct and Who Can Join?
As of July 2026, residential and non-residential customers can join CBP-E Direct to earn incentives for reducing electricity use during high-demand events.
What to know:
- Events may happen during windows between May 1-Oct. 31.
- Participants may earn capacity payments and energy payments under CBP-E tariff rules.
- Participants may be reviewed by an independent verification administrator.
Customers cannot participate if they are on the Base Interruptible Program, Critical Peak Pricing, Real Time Pricing, agricultural pumping or lighting rates — nor if they are enrolled in other SCE demand response programs.
Customers that participate in CBP-E Direct or CBP-E through an aggregator are subject to the same CBP-E tariff rules, including performance requirements and potential penalties.
However, with CBP-E Direct, enrollment, program administration and payments are conducted by SCE or its authorized operator. With CBP-E through an aggregator, these are conducted by a third-party aggregator, requiring an agreement and potentially a financial deposit. CBP-E Direct does not require either. Additionally, incentive amounts between the two may differ.
Customers choose which participation pathway best suits their needs. CBP-E Direct may be desirable for customers who prefer to work directly with SCE or prefer not to sign a contract or pay a deposit. CBP-E through an aggregator may be desirable for customers who prefer to have third-party services or support.
For more about enrolling in CBP-E through an aggregator, click here.
Customers may enroll here.
Commitment:
Events may happen between May 1-Oct. 31, subject to the following time windows:
- May: 5-10 p.m.
- June-October: 4-9 p.m.
CBP Direct participants are subject to verification by an independent verification administrator. This may include:
- Requests for meter or interval data
- On‑site or remote audits
- Installation of temporary monitoring equipment
Failure to respond to verification requests or maintain compliance may result in penalties or removal from the program.
Customers earn incentives by reducing electricity use during called event hours. Performance is measured by comparing your actual usage during the event hours to a baseline — an estimate of what your usage would have been without an event. That estimate is based on your recent electricity use during similar hours on prior nonevent days. Your event reduction is the difference between the baseline and your actual metered usage during the event hours.
Incentives depend on participation and performance, and are not guaranteed. You may earn less — or no payment — depending on events, your assigned participation level and results.
Participation levels (nominations) are set by the program administrator under the program Terms and Conditions, and may be low or result in no eligible incentives for a given period.
Payments are calculated after the CBP‑E season ends once performance is reviewed. Small balances may roll over until they reach the minimum payment threshold.
Payments follow CBP‑E tariff rules and are calculated for each service account. If program requirements are not met, payments may be reduced, withheld or offset by penalties, and customers may be removed from the program. Any outstanding penalties must be addressed before incentives are paid.
Participants may be removed from the program for not complying with tariff requirements.
CBP-E Direct and CBP-E through an Aggregator Comparison
| Feature | CBP-E Direct | CBP-E through an aggregator |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment/Program Administration | Managed by SCE (or SCE’s authorized operator) | Managed by a third-party aggregator |
| Contract Requirements | Not required | Required |
| Financial Deposit | Not required | May be required |
| Capacity Rate | 50% of the capacity rate paid directly to the customer (typically at the end of the season) | 100% of the capacity rate paid directly to the aggregator each month during the event season |
Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Performance is measured against a baseline during CBP-E events. If performance is consistently low, future capacity amounts may be reduced. If performance is consistently strong, they may be increased to better reflect achievable load reductions.
While payments are calculated monthly, they are generally issued at the end of the CBP-E season, and small balances may roll over until the minimum payment threshold is met.
If required interval meter data is missing or insufficient, SCE may exclude the affected event from payment calculations or issue no payment for that period. Complete and accurate meter data is required to determine incentives.
Yes. Customers may unenroll from the program by sending an email to: support@cbpdirect.sce.com.
Participation in CBP-E Direct does not guarantee eligibility or payment under other programs, which are governed by their own rules and administrators. It may, however, be used as a qualification pathway for SGIP demand response requirements.
No, dual enrollment with another SCE demand response program is not allowed.
Note: This webpage provides a general overview of CBP-E Direct. Final eligibility and program requirements are governed by the approved CBP‑E tariff.