SmartAC™ program

What is the SmartAC program?

The SmartAC program is voluntary. There is no penalty for non-participation. The program helps prevent power interruptions automatically with smart technology called switches. On hot summer days—when demand increases because thousands of customers are using their air conditioning units—PG&E may remotely activate SmartAC switches to help maintain adequate power supplies and avoid power interruptions. This is called an “event."

• The SmartAC switch is activated only from May 1 - October 31.
  
• Air conditioners are one of the biggest users of electrical energy.
  
• SmartAC Event Days are typically between two and three hours and no more than six hours in a day—even if there is an emergency.
  

Read SmartAC switch terms and conditions

How much does it cost to participate?

SmartAC technology and installation are provided free of cost.

Will I notice a big difference in temperature with SmartAC?

Generally, participants can expect a one- to three-degree increase in their home’s temperature, depending on its construction. If activation occurs at an inconvenient time, you can opt out for the day via phone at 1-866-908-4916.

Will I save money on my PG&E bills with SmartAC?

The SmartAC program only slightly changes the amount of energy your AC uses, so it isn't likely you'll see savings. 

Will I be notified about a SmartAC Event Day?

SmartAC Event Days are posted on both PG&E's website and the SmartAC web page by 11 a.m. the day of an event. We do not email, text or phone you if there is an event. Most customers do not notice when their SmartAC switch is activated.

Do I have to re-enroll in SmartAC every year?

No. It is a one-time enrollment.

Who is PG&E's authorized contractor for the program?

The SmartAC program authorized contractor is Franklin Energy. A Franklin Energy IBEW 1245 Union technician may contact you to:

• Help complete your enrollment
  
• Get your permission to install the SmartAC switch
  
• Install the SmartAC switch
  
• Help solve a technical issue you may have contacted us about
  
• Visit your home and carry out the free AC checkup
  
• Leave a Welcome Kit with your AC checkup results and program details
  
• Visit your home to inspect, maintain and potentially upgrade the SmartAC switch
  

What will the contractor be doing?

Franklin Energy will install a SmartAC switch to your Air Conditioning unit. If you already have a switch installed, then Franklin Energy will service the switch or replace it if needed. Franklin Energy also provides free support to assess whether or not our SmartAC device is resulting in your AC switch being controlled outside of SmartAC Event Days. Franklin Energy technicians will also assess your AC unit for other maintenance needs and provide recommendations that you can bring to your local licensed HVAC contractor.

How will I know they are a PG&E contractor?

They will have a PG&E SmartAC decal attached to their service truck. Additionally, the technician will have a Franklin Energy badge with them at all times.

Can I contact PG&E to confirm they are an authorized contractor?

Yes. You may contact PG&E at 1-800-743-5000 to confirm Franklin Energy is our authorized contractor. The PG&E SmartAC webpages will also display Franklin Energy as our authorized contractor.

What are the benefits of the SmartAC program?

• FREE technical support of your air conditioning system as long as you are a customer in the SmartAC program. If you have a problem with your system, please call us first at 1-866-908-4916. We'll troubleshoot to determine whether the SmartAC switch is the cause of your problem. If we determine that the problem is not related to the SmartAC switch, we will recommend that you consult with your service company.
• Free AC checkup
• You reduce the likelihood of power outages and help the environment
• By generating less electricity from fossil fuel plants during peak periods, fewer greenhouse gases are produced and that means cleaner air for all of us

What do you check in the free AC check-up?

Prior to installing your SmartAC switch, our technician will complete a five-step inspection of your air conditioning unit. This inspection is performed at no cost to you and is designed to ensure that your unit will not let you down on the hot days of the summer. 

1. Capacitor
   
2. Contactor
   
3. Grounding
   
4. AC housing
   
5. AC pet proofing
   

What if I’m on an energy reducing program with a company other than PG&E?

If you are a participant on another energy incentive program, you cannot enroll in PG&E's SmartAC program.

I'm enrolled in SmartRate. What happens if I join SmartAC? 
If you are a participant on SmartRate, you cannot join SmartAC. If you were already participating in both SmartRate and SmartAC prior to October 26th, 2018, you may continue to do so.

What are the differences between SmartAC Event Days and SmartDays?

• SmartDays can happen any day of the year but usually when it is hottest, in summer. SmartAC events are only permitted May through October.
• There can be a maximum of 15 SmartDays. SmartAC doesn’t have a maximum but usually there are around 4 to 8 events per customer.
• SmartDay hours are 4-9 p.m. SmartAC events don’t have set hours and are usually one to three hours in the late afternoon and evening.

What are the similarities between SmartAC Event Days and SmartDays?

• Both SmartAC events and SmartDays can be on the same day. If you are on both programs, the SmartAC switch will cycle your air conditioner during the SmartDay hours only.
• Event Days are usually on summer weekdays.
• Event Days can, however, happen on the weekend, although it is rare.

What support is available? 
For technical questions about your SmartAC switch or if your AC unit is not operating correctly, please call 1-866-908-4916, Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

I lost my welcome flyer. Can I get another one?
Yes, the welcome flyer is available online (PDF).

We do not email, text or phone you if there is an event. Most customers do not notice when their SmartAC switch is activated. Energy supply issues are unpredictable and the SmartAC Program may be called upon to help prevent power interruptions with very short notice. SmartAC Event Days are posted on PG&E's website and on and the SmartAC web pages by 11 a.m. the day of an event.

What switch is currently installed for the SmartAC program?

As of August 2017, PG&E began installing the Energate LC2200 Load Control Switch.

Where can I find information about the switch at my house?

Eaton LCR6200Z (PDF)

Energate LC2200 (PDF)

Cannon Tech/Cooper Power LC5200 (PDF)

Honeywell UtilityPro (PDF)

ExpressStat (PDF)

Can the SmartAC switch damage AC units?

No, SmartAC switches won't damage AC units. When wired correctly, they can't cause a capacitor to wear out or stop functioning and will not blow a fuse. Before the hot summer months, it's very important to have a trusted HVAC technician service your unit. The technician will need to make sure your unit is ready for summer with proper Freon levels and is in good operating condition. If a SmartAC switch is not wired correctly, it will not power up and will not harm an AC.

What AC equipment works with SmartAC technology?

SmartAC technology works with single-stage standard central air conditioners and heat pumps.

What if I have a smart thermostat?

Smart thermostats are compatible with SmartAC switches if they are installed properly. If not properly installed, some Nest thermostats can cause a temporary flashing light on the switch.

Nest Gen 2 thermostats display an error message on Event Days/Hours. However, there's no functional impact and the message can serve as notification that an event is in progress.

Why have I been contacted about upgrading my SmartAC switch?

If you received a notification from PG&E about an upgrade to your SmartAC switch, our contractor Franklin Energy will be sending a technician to upgrade the SmartAC switch installed on your outdoor air conditioner to a newer model. This new switch will help the SmartAC program run more efficiently and further support California’s efforts towards a clean and reliable grid.

Participants may call a SmartAC™ representative at 1-866-908-4916 and opt out of an event for the day, without penalty. The AC will be returned to its previous operational setting.

Thank you for your interest in participation in Pacific Gas and Electric Company’s (“PG&E”) SmartAC program (“SmartAC”). These SmartAC Program Participation Terms and Conditions (these “Terms”) are a legal agreement (“Agreement”) between you and PG&E governing your participation in the program.

Clicking [“I Agree”] or by participating in SmartAC, you (“Participant”) are agreeing to be bound as follows:

SmartAC
SmartAC is a voluntary residential central AC load control Demand Response (DR) program. A load control switch (“Switch”) will be installed at Participant’s premise which will remotely control the central AC unit on occasional hot summer days called a “DR Event” (see 6.). The Switch is installed and maintained by PG&E’s contractor, Franklin Energy. Participant agrees and acknowledges the installation and maintenance of the Switch may require Franklin Energy to access the yard of Participant’s premise without prior notification. Participant may, upon enrolling in the program, indicate there are access issues to the yard such as a locked gate or loose pet or their preference is to have an appointment. Customers can schedule an appointment at 1-866-908-4916.

Eligibility
Participant must meet the eligibility criteria below to enroll in the SmartAC program:

• Receive electric service from PG&E
• Residential Customer
• Bundled Utility service, Direct Access service, or Community Choice Aggregation
• Individual meter (no sub-meter premises)
• An eligible SmartMeter
• Central air conditioning unit generally used during peak summer periods
• Not be enrolled in the Medical Baseline Program
• Not have Life-Support equipment
• Not be enrolled in any other PG&E or third-party DR energy incentive program
• If Participant is not the premise Owner, has written approval of the Owner to participate in this SmartAC Program and comply with these Terms and Conditions.

Enrollment
Participant agrees to provide the required information to enroll in the SmartAC program and acknowledges a Switch will be installed at their home by the PG&E authorized contractor, Franklin Energy.

Incentive
Participant will receive a $50 enrollment incentive check approximately 4-6 weeks after installation of the Switch on their AC unit. At the installation, Participant will also receive a free AC checkup which will assess the AC capacitor, contactor, grounding, housing, and if it is pet proof.

Load Control Switch
The Switch will cycle Participant’s AC unit compressor at a 50% duty cycle. This means that for approximately 15 minutes of a 30-minute period the AC unit compressor will not produce cool air. However, during that 15-minute period the AC unit fan will continue to circulate air throughout the home. This may cause the temperature of the home to increase, but typically Participant’s do not notice. The Switch will start cycling within the first 30 minutes. The Switch will stop cycling within 30 minutes after the scheduled DR Event end time.

Switch Communication
The installed Switch uses a Smart Energy Protocol standard called Zigbee to connect and communicate to the SmartMeter at the premise to provide event dispatch.

Do Not Tamper. Participant agrees not to tamper with the Switch and will not permit or instruct others to tamper with the Switch. In the event the AC unit is not operating properly, contact PG&E at 1-866-908-4916. for complimentary troubleshooting.

DR Events
The SmartAC DR Event season begins from May 1st until October 31st each year. Participant may be cycled up to 100 hours per season, however typical operation is estimated at 20 hours per season. Grid emergency circumstances may require more than 20 hours of cycling to occur. Participant AC units can be cycled a maximum of 6 hours in a single day, however, typical DR Events are 2 to 3 hours. Participant has the option to not participate (“opt-out”) in a DR Event and must contact the SmartAC customer service call center at 1-866-908-4916. for each individual DR Event to opt-out. There is no penalty for opting out of a DR Event and Participant may opt-out of as many DR Events as they choose.

PG&E Contractor
Franklin Energy operates the customer service call center and performs the field operations for PG&E’s SmartAC program. Franklin Energy technicians will have a Franklin Energy logo on the technician’s badge. All trucks operated by Franklin Energy will also have a PG&E SmartAC logo visible.

Participant authorizes and consents to PG&E and Franklin Energy contacting Participant at the home phone or mobile phone provided at any time for non-emergency, automated, autodialed, prerecorded, or artificial voice phone calls or text messages related to participation in the SmartAC program. Participant may revoke consent for non-emergency, automated, autodialed, prerecorded, or artificial voice phone calls or text messages by calling 1-866-908-4916.

Limitation of Liability
Participant agrees PG&E shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, arising in connection with their participation in the SmartAC program and if Participant is dissatisfied in any way with the SmartAC program, PG&E or Franklin Energy, Participant’s sole and exclusive remedy is to discontinue their participation.

SmartAC Program Participation Termination
Termination By PG&E. PG&E has the sole discretion to terminate Participant’s participation in the SmartAC program at any time. PG&E and the California Public Utilities Commission have the discretion to terminate the SmartAC program at any time.

Termination by Participant. Participant may terminate their enrollment in SmartAC program for any reason by calling 1-866-908-4916. Participation in the SmartAC program is voluntary and Participant can withdraw at any time.

General
This entire Agreement concerning Participant’s participation in the SmartAC program and any assignment of the Agreement requires PG&E’s written consent.

The Agreement shall be governed by the laws of the State of California. Any dispute arising in connection with this Agreement, shall first seek the assistance of a mediation to resolve any such outstanding disputes prior to filing a lawsuit.

Participant warrants and represents they are over 18 years of age and have the necessary legal capacity and have obtained the required approvals to execute this Agreement.