Customers who sign up for the program automatically earn a $25 Prepaid MasterCard®. Then, customers earn more rewards when they reduce their energy consumption during peak energy times.
Once enrolled, customers will receive an email or text message alert up to 24 hours before an event, so they can plan to reduce their energy consumption during the specified time. Those who conserve receive $2 per kWh (kilowatt hour) of electricity load reduced.
At the end of the event season, customers can redeem their rewards by claiming a Prepaid MasterCard. Customers must maintain participation in the program for the entirety of the event season to receive rewards.
A PowerShift alert is an event called by the program urging customers to conserve energy during a specified time – and earn rewards for doing so. The request is issued by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) for a specific time to prevent stress on the electricity grid, which is generally caused by high demand or short supply and can lead to reduced grid reliability and/or rotating outages.
Who is eligible to participate?
PowerShift Rewards is offered exclusively to active Pioneer Community Energy customers who have a SmartMeter. Program participants cannot be enrolled in any other demand response program, like PG&E’s Smart Savers.
How do customers know if they have a PG&E SmartMeter?
Customers can check their PG&E meter located outside of their home to confirm if they have a SmartMeter.
How does a customer know if they are a Pioneer Community Energy customer?
“Pioneer Community Energy Electricity Generation” charges are explicitly indicated on customers’ PG&E bills. If a customer sees Pioneer within their PG&E bill, then they are a customer and eligible to participate in the program. If the customer does not see Pioneer on their PG&E bill, they may be able to re-enroll if they live in Placer County, El Dorado County, Nevada City, or Grass Valley. Call (844) 937-7466 to re-enroll or visit https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/residential/choose-pioneer-residential/.Â
How do participants save energy to earn rewards?
Customers can earn incentives just by enrolling in the program and then by saving energy by reducing electricity usage during PowerShift alerts. Increasing the temperature of their thermostat, delaying use of dishwashers and washing machines, and turning off items not in use are just a few ways to decrease usage. To learn more ways to save, visit https://pioneercommunityenergy.org/residential/home-energy-savings-tips/.
Are there penalties if energy is not conserved during the called PowerShift alert?
No. There are no penalties if a customer chooses not to participate in an alert and reduce their energy consumption.
Rewards do not expire. However, Prepaid MasterCard cards may have expiration dates. Rewards cannot be accumulated from season to season. Beginning May of each year, rewards start over.
Will customers have to re-enroll next summer?
No. Once a customer enrolls in the program they do not need to re-enroll each year.Â
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