Summer Discount Plan – Frequently Asked Questions
Summer Discount Plan FAQ
Do I need central air conditioning to join Summer Discount Plan?
Yes, this program is available only to customers with a fully operational central A/C system. For your safety, only A/C units installed on the ground can be enrolled in an override option.
Is there a cost to enroll in the Summer Discount Plan?
No, enrolling is free. We supply the cycling device and we have it installed on your home or central A/C unit, by our designated contractor, at no charge to you.
PLEASE NOTE: No authorized SCE representative will ever ask you to pay for advice on how to save money or energy through our programs.
Is there a minimum usage requirement to remain on SDP?
Yes. On January 1, 2017 Southern California Edison (SCE) implemented a minimum electric usage requirement for SDP program eligibility. Residential accounts participating on SDP must register the use of a minimum of 1.5 kWh, one hour before or after, for at least one SDP event per calendar year to remain eligible to participate in the SDP program.
SCE will conduct an annual review of each customer’s electric usage by no later than January 31 of each calendar year. At the annual review time, SCE will determine if a customer has met the Minimum Usage Eligibility Requirement. Customers removed from the program for failing to meet the Minimum Usage Eligibility Requirement will not be allowed to re-enroll for 12-months following their removal.
My Account users can monitor their home’s performance towards meeting SCE’s Summer Discount Plan (SDP) Minimum Usage Eligibility Requirement. Download our step-by-step guide to learn how.If you’re not a My Account user, click here to register.
For additional details about Summer Discount Plan, including the Minimum Usage Eligibility Requirement, see our FAQs.
Can I be notified when my A/C is going to be turned off?
Yes, you can sign up for alerts on your Apple or Android smartphone by downloading the free DR Alert App on the App Store or Google Play.
If you don’t have a smartphone, you can choose to receive alerts via email, text, or phone message.
How are bill credits calculated?
The credit calculation formula used is: Single Phase (Amps x Volts)/ 1,400 + .09 = Tons. Amps and Volts values are based on the AC unit’s faceplate, or when not available, readings from an amperage probe clamp.
Once you’re enrolled and your device is activated, you can find your savings labeled as “A/C cycling discount” under the “Details of your new charges” section on your bill from June 1 to October 1. Enrollment after June 1 will result in prorated savings beginning from the first meter read date after your application is processed and your device is installed, verified, and activated. SCE may need to test the device.
For further details, refer to the SDP tariff schedule.
How do I enroll by mail?
If you prefer to enroll by U.S. mail, please print and complete an application form (PDF) and return it to us. Our mailing address is on the form. You will need your service account number, which can be found on a recent bill.
Choose your preferred language application form:
How do I change my preferences?
You can manage your preferences online at any time.
If you prefer to update your enrollment preferences by U.S. mail, please print and complete a change form (PDF) and return it to us. Our mailing address is on the form. You will need your service account number, which can be found on a recent bill.
Terms & Conditions
Read our Terms & Conditions for Summer Discount Plan.
What if I’m enrolled in Net Energy Metering (NEM)?
Net Energy Metering (NEM) credits received under Schedule NEM may offset in whole or in part the program credits associated with Summer Discount Plan. Find out more on our NEM page.
Can I be on SDP and other programs, such as Medical Baseline or the Smart Energy Program?
Customers receiving a medical baseline allocation for air-conditioning under Schedule MB or participating in the Smart Energy Program are not eligible to enroll in Summer Discount Plan.
Does SCE have a way to notify me when they turn off my air conditioner?
Yes, SCE’s DR Alert App allows you to receive customized alerts right on your smartphone. You can choose to receive notifications when a Summer Discount Plan event is scheduled, when the event starts, when the event ends or all three. The SCE DR Alert app is available for free download at the App Store or Google Play for your Apple (iOS 9.3.5 or later) or Android (6.0.1 or later) mobile device. Don’t have a smartphone? You can also sign up to receive alerts via text, email, or phone message.
Why do I need to have an Edison SmartConnect® meter to enroll in SDP?
A. An Edison SmartConnect® meter enables SCE to evaluate your performance on the program by accessing at minimum, your hourly usage data during SDP event periods. To continue to participate in the SDP program, customers must meet the new minimum usage requirement established in 2017. The Edison SmartConnect® meter also enables SCE to verify valuable energy reduction during SDP event periods and it can provide SCE with information to help determine whether our load control device or your A/C are not functioning properly.
How will I know when my A/C has been shut off?
A. Take a look at the cycling device installed on or near your A/C unit if it is in a safe, easily accessible location. When your A/C has been shut off, you'll see a green LED light flashing. More information about energy events affecting your area online may be available.
When my A/C is shut off, will my electricity be entirely shut off?
A. No, only the A/C compressor will be shut off. The rest of your home will still have electricity and your indoor fan will still operate.
Can my air conditioner be turned off more than once per day?
A. Yes, up to 6 hours a day.
What if I don’t use my air conditioner?
A. Beginning in 2017, all customers enrolled on SDP must meet a minimum usage requirement to remain eligible for the program. Your account must register the use of 1.5 kWh, one hour before or after, in at least one SDP event per calendar year. Failing to meet this minimum usage requirement is indicative of not operating the A/C before and after SDP event periods. Customers who do not meet this minimum usage requirement will be removed from the program and will not be allowed to re-enroll for one-year.
Can I cancel if I decide Summer Discount Plan isn’t working for me?
A. Yes, however, you are required to stay on the plan for at least a year from the date of activation of your cycling device. If you or someone in your household develop a medical condition that disqualifies you from participating in the program prior to meeting the 12 months requirement, please call us at 1-800-497-2813. You will be given a form to be signed by a medical provider and returned to SCE.
How much air conditioning do I have to use to get the most credit?
A. Your bill credits are not determined by how much you use your A/C. Instead, they are based on the calculated tonnage of your A/C and the option you select. Your credits cannot exceed the cost of distribution and generation charges on your bill.
Who is eligible for the override option?
A. For your safety, in order to participate in an override option, all A/C units enrolled in the Summer Discount Plan must be installed on the ground.
I’m enrolled in the Override option. How do I override an energy event?
A. Take a look at the cycling device installed on or near your A/C unit. When your A/C has been shut off, you'll see a green LED light flashing. If you also see a yellow LED light, you have remaining overrides to use. Simply press the button on the upper right-hand corner of the device and your A/C compressor will turn back on within 10 minutes. Once you override an event, you will not have any more energy events for the remainder of the day.
I’m enrolled in the Override option. How do I know how many overrides I have left?
A. Confirm that no energy events are in progress (there should not be a green or yellow LED light flashing). If it is not an energy event day, press the “override” button on your cycling device and hold it for approximately 10 seconds. When you release, the red LED light will flash. Count the number of times it flashes; that’s how many overrides you have left.
If the program runs year-round, why do I get bill credits only between June 1 and October 1?
A. Energy events can occur at any time, year-round, but we anticipate that most will occur during the summer, when A/C usage is highest. We apply credits between June 1 and October 1 to help lower your bill during this time.
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