You can make a difference this summer by helping to prevent power shortages in your community. Earn up to $180 in credits on your energy bill when you sign up for the Summer Discount Plan (SDP). There’s no cost to enroll or participate in the program. Flexible program options let you choose your level of comfort and savings.
Choose Your Comfort Level
We understand more people are staying home during these challenging times. For more control over your A/C during an energy event, we offer program options with override control.** These options allow you to opt out of an energy event if you are at home and still want to use your A/C. If you are currently enrolled, you can switch your eligible A/C unit to another plan option by updating your preferences.
How the Program Works
When you sign up, SCE will install a remote-controlled device on or near your air conditioner at no cost to you. This will allow us to turn off or cycle your A/C unit during energy events throughout the year based on your program preferences. You’ll earn bill credits from June 1 to October 1 for participating.
Stay Informed about Upcoming Energy Events
Get notifications when your A/C will be turned off with the free DR Alerts app on your smartphone. Sign up to get alerts 30 minutes before an energy event starts, when it starts, and when it ends. You can download the app for free at the App Store or Google Play. Find Out More >
Choose the Plan Option for You
*Estimated Bill Credit based on a typical 4.5-ton air conditioning unit. Actual bill credit could increase with larger units and decrease for smaller ones and will vary based on your level of participation and your equipment. Additional terms and conditions apply.
**Push-button override options not available on roof-mounted A/C units. Override may be used up to five times a year.
What is an energy event and when does it happen?
An SCE Energy Event is a designated time when SCE limits air conditioning usage in participating homes to reduce demand on the energy grid.
We may call an energy event in response to emergencies, overworked electrical grids, high wholesale energy prices, or as part of testing. An energy event can happen at any time during the year and may last up to 6 hours per day (with the possible exception of a system emergency).
You can find information about active or historical energy events at any time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
Read our Terms & Conditions for Summer Discount Plan.
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.
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.
Have more questions about Summer Discount Plan? Check out our FAQ page.
This information is meant as an aid to understanding SCE’s Summer Discount Plan program. It does not replace SCE’s CPUC-approved tariffs. Any inconsistencies between this material and SCE’s tariffs are unintended, and the tariffs prevail. Please refer to SCE’s tariff books for a complete list of terms and conditions of service. The credit amount and program options are subject to change by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). This program is funded by California utility customers and administered by Southern California Edison under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission. © 2020 Southern California Edison. All rights reserved.
PLEASE NOTE: No authorized SCE representative will ever ask you to pay for advice on how to save money or energy through our programs.