SmartAC™ program

What is SmartAC thermostats?
PG&E rewards you for being more flexible with your smart thermostat schedule. As a SmartAC participant, you help make the energy grid more reliable for everyone.

Here’s how it works: on very hot days, thousands of air conditioners running at once can put a strain on the grid. On days when PG&E anticipates there will be a high demand for energy, SmartAC will schedule an event day. This means we’ll shift some of your energy use out of the hours when lots of people are using their air conditioning. We’ll do this by working with your thermostat to keep your home comfortable all day, while being more flexible about when your home is cooled.

By adjusting your thermostat schedule so your AC uses less energy during the most high-demand hours, and coordinating your energy use with thousands of others’, we can help prevent power interruptions while keeping you comfortable.

Read SmartAC thermostat terms and conditions

What makes a smart thermostat so smart?
A smart thermostat is a Wi-Fi enabled device that automatically adjusts your home’s heating and cooling. You can “set it and forget it” for greater ease of use and convenience, while saving energy. Some models allow for remote monitoring and control from your mobile phone, tablet or laptop, or wherever you happen to be.

According to ENERGY STAR, heating and cooling your home can cost up to $900 a year. A smart thermostat can save energy and money by maintaining recommended temperatures.

Will SmartAC help me save on my bill?
The goal of the SmartAC program is not necessarily to use less electricity, but to shift when you use electricity to hours when it is less in demand. This shift helps us rely more on cleaner, more efficient energy sources, and it helps ensure there’s a reliable energy supply for everyone.

However, installing and programming a smart thermostat can save you energy and money (compared to a standard or programmable thermostat). If you don’t have a smart thermostat, or haven’t properly programmed yours, buying and programming one can improve your energy efficiency.

How does SmartAC help the environment?
When demand for electricity is high, energy providers sometimes need to turn to less environmentally friendly power sources to accommodate everyone’s needs. The SmartAC program can help the environment by limiting the need to turn to those less environmentally friendly sources to meet electricity demand on very hot days.

What’s the difference between SmartAC and eco+?
If you have an ecobee thermostat, SmartAC will work with the eco+ Community Energy Savings function on your thermostat to keep your home comfortable while shifting your energy use during event days. When you first sign up for the SmartAC program, you'll use the ecobee app to sign up through eco+. After you create your thermostat schedule, SmartAC will work together with eco+ to learn your preferences and keep you comfortable during event days.

What’s the difference between SmartAC and Nest Rush Hour Rewards?
If you have a Google Nest thermostat, SmartAC works with Nest’s Rush Hour Rewards. When you first sign up for the SmartAC program, you’ll go through an enrollment for Rush Hour Rewards. After you create your thermostat settings, SmartAC will work together with Nest behind the scenes to learn your preferences and keep you comfortable during event days.

Being a member of Rush Hour Rewards does not require any extra obligations or thermostat adjustments compared to SmartAC on its own.

What support is available?
For questions about SmartAC thermostats, please call 1-833-758-2538, Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 6 p.m. PT, excluding federal holidays.

How do I program my smart thermostat?

Programming your thermostat creates a schedule that keeps you comfortable and also ensures that during event days, PG&E adjustments keep you within a few degrees of those scheduled temperatures.

Nest
The easiest way to program your Nest thermostat is using the Nest app. On some thermostat models, you can also create a schedule using the thermostat itself. See Nest Support at thermostat temperature schedules for full instructions and tips on creating a schedule on your device.

ecobee
You can create a schedule using the ecobee app or on the thermostat itself. Written step-by-step instructions are at ecobee support.

If you prefer video instructions, check out ecobee’s instructional video on programming your thermostat.

Sensi
To create a schedule on your Sensi, use the Sensi app. Sensi's website has an instructional video to explain the process of creating a schedule. Or, if you prefer written instructions, they can be found on page 5 of the Sensi App Navigation and Scheduling Guide (PDF).

Honeywell Home TCC
To create a schedule on your Honeywell Home thermostat, visit the Honeywell Home Support and select “I need help programming my thermostat.” Select your Honeywell Home model to find instructions for your specific device.

What do I do if I'm having problems with my thermostat?
If you’re having trouble with your thermostat, or have questions about installation or use, contact your manufacturer’s customer support:

• Nest Customer Support: support.google.com/googlenest/gethelp
• ecobee Customer Support: 1-877-932-6233
• Emerson Sensi Customer Support: 1-888-605-7131
• Honeywell Home TCC Customer Support: 1-800-468-1502

What is central air conditioning?
Central air conditioning is a system that works with your home’s duct system to take warm air, cool it, and then distribute it back into your home. An air conditioning unit that sits in your window, or a unit that is mounted on your wall or floor, is not central air conditioning.

Opt-in for SmartAC Daily Savings using eco+

Enable eco+ in your ecobee app to take advantage of ecobee's Time-of-Use feature to shift your heating and cooling use out of times when energy is more expensive. Enroll in Daily Savings through eco+.

Select the eco+ icon on the home screen of your ecobee app.

• Enter eco+ settings and select “Time of Use.”

Select your Time-of-Use rate plan from the rates listed.

• Not sure if you're enrolled in a Time-of-Use rate plan? Click the information icon and follow the instructions to find your rate plan.

Save your Time-of-Use rate plan.

Once you save your Time-of-Use rate plan, just sit back and let eco+ and Daily Savings optimize your energy use.

What is the SmartAC Daily Savings Program?
Daily Savings offers participants of the SmartAC program the opportunity to get daily, customized thermostat adjustments that can help them manage their energy bills. It is available for customers who are on the Time-of-Use rate plans and have Sensi or ecobee thermostats installed at their home.

How does it work?
With Time-of-Use rate plans, electricity costs more at certain peak hours late in the day when demand is high, and less during lower-demand hours when renewable energy is more plentiful. This means you may save by shifting your energy use out of peak hours. That’s where Daily Savings comes in.

As a participant of the SmartAC program, you already use your smart thermostat to automatically shift your energy use on occasional hot summer days during SmartAC events. Daily Savings takes things to the next level, working with your thermostat to look for every day opportunities to save.

By making small adjustments every day to your regular schedule settings, it eases your energy use away from peak pricing hours while keeping you cool and comfortable.

The program is based off of your regular thermostat schedule keeping your comfort in mind, and most of your cooling on hot days is done at times when energy costs less.

How can I enroll in Daily Savings?
Daily Savings is currently only available to the SmartAC program participants who own Emerson Sensi or ecobee thermostats. Unfortunately, Nest and Honeywell Home Total Connect Comfort thermostats are not currently eligible for Daily Savings.

• If you are not yet a SmartAC member:
  First, enroll your Sensi or ecobee in the SmartAC program. Once you’re enrolled in SmartAC and receive a welcome email confirming your enrollment has been processed, you can join Daily Savings. You’ll also receive an email inviting you to participate in Daily Savings after you sign up for SmartAC. If you try to enroll before your SmartAC enrollment has been processed, you will not be able to complete the opt-in to Daily Savings.
• If you are already a SmartAC member and have an ecobee smart thermostat:
  1. Open your ecobee app and click on My ecobee in the upper left.
  2. In the menu on the bottom right, select eco+. Not enrolled in eco+? Follow the steps in your app to sign up.
  3. Select your utility provider (Pacific Gas and Electric) and tap “Save utility provider".
  4. Select your home’s time-of-use rate plan from the options listed. If you don’t know your time-of-use rate plan, you can find it by checking your bill or logging in to your online account.
  5. Tap “Done".
  6. Sit back and let eco+ and Daily Savings optimize your energy use!
• If you are already a SmartAC member and have an Emerson Sensi smart thermostat:
  1. Visit the enrollment link. This link will also be included in the email inviting you to join Daily Savings.
  2. Select “enroll now,” and you’ll be brought to a page where you can select your thermostat brand.
  3. Select Sensi.
  4. Fill out the resulting form with your SmartAC information.
  5. Confirm your address. If we can’t find your account using your address, you will be prompted to enter your PG&E account number.
  6. Agree to the terms and conditions.
  7. You’re done! Read the confirmation message to find out when your daily adjustments will begin, then sit back and enjoy the savings!

How can Daily Savings help me save?

Your energy rate changes depending on the time of day. Your Time-of-Use rate plan offers lower pricing during the majority of the day when costs to generate electricity are lower due to renewable energy, but costs more during peak pricing hours late in the afternoon/early evening.

Thank you for your interest in participating in the Pacific Gas and Electric Company ("PG&E") SmartAC Smart Thermostat Pilot ("Pilot") implemented by Uplight, Inc. ("Uplight") on behalf of PG&E. These Pilot Participation Terms and Conditions (these "Terms") are a legal agreement (Agreement) between you and PG&E governing your participation in the Pilot

Clicking ["I AGREE"] in the Pilot's Online Store or by otherwise participating in the Pilot, you ("Participant") are agreeing to be bound by these Terms.

1. The Pilot. The Pilot is open to PG&E-selected Participants with a central air conditioner and a WiFi-enabled smart thermostat ("Device") which will be remotely controlled by Uplight during the Demand Response (DR) season for a SmartAC event ("Event") and daily time of use (TOU) (if applicable) as defined below. PG&E will use each Pilot Participant's SmartMeter data and/or thermostat telemetry to measure performance across the Pilot. Eligible Participants who enroll in the Pilot are eligible for incentives as outlined in section 7 of these terms.
2. Participant Eligibility. PG&E shall determine in its sole discretion Participant's eligibility which must include:
   • Participant receives electric service on a residential rate.
   • Participant has a PG&E SmartMeter.
   • Participant has an eligible Wi-Fi-enabled Device. Eligible Device models may change from time to time and will be listed on the website.
   • Participant has a central air conditioning unit that needs to operate during DR season, from at least 4-9 pm.
   • Participant is not enrolled in any other PG&E, DR, Community Choice Aggregator (CCA), or third-party DR program and must enroll to participate in the Pilot through Nest or Ecobee (subject to their application terms) or through Emerson or Honeywell Home Total Connect Comfort.
   • Participant, prior to participating in the Pilot, obtains permission from the landlord or property owner.
   • Participant must provide the contact information required to receive Pilot communications.
3. Participant Device Control Requirements. Participant agrees and grants PG&E and Uplight remote access to control Participant's enrolled Device to enable Uplight, during an Event, to automatically change the Device's temperature setpoint for the Pilot. The Device does not need any manual intervention by Participant. Adjusted Device temperature setpoints remotely done by Uplight may be manually overridden at any time by Participant.
4. Pilot Enrollment Period. Participants will receive an email confirmation of their enrollment in the Pilot which shall continue through October 31, 2023, unless extended terminated sooner as provided in these Terms ("Pilot Enrollment Period"). Participant must be continuously enrolled in the Pilot between June 1 and October 31 (each a "DR Season"), for any given year, to be eligible for the year end incentive.
5. SmartAC Events. Events where Participant's Device temperature will be remotely adjusted by Uplight include, but are not limited to, maintaining system integrity, CAISO emergencies, Flex Alert days, insufficient system generation to meet anticipated system load during the DR Season, within the hours of 12:01 PM and 9:00 PM.
6. Optional Time of Use Optimization.
   • Ecobee customers in the Ecobee app can have their Device automatically programmed for their TOU rate, change or opt-out.
   • Emerson customers may also opt-in to TOU optimization, which will be operated by Uplight according to the customer's TOU rate plan schedule. Customers can opt-out of TOU optimization by contacting 1-844-923-0176 or emailing support@SmartACpge.com.
   • Nest and Honeywell Home Total Connect Comfort do not offer TOU optimization.
   • PG&E does not guarantee Participant cost savings and will not cover any costs incurred due to the Participant's TOU optimization.
7. Pilot Incentives.
   • One-Time Participant Enrollment Incentive. Eligible participants that have not received a One-Time Participant Smart Thermostat Rebate will receive a one-time $75 incentive upon confirmation of enrollment in the Pilot (the "One-Time Participant Enrollment Incentive").
   • One-Time Participant Smart Thermostat Rebate. Eligible participants will receive a one-time $70-$120 rebate upon purchase of a new smart thermostat from the Pilot's Online Store, subject to availability of funding ("One-Time Participant Smart Thermostat Rebate"). Participants who receive a One-Time Participant Smart Thermostat Rebate will not be eligible for a One-Time Participant Enrollment Incentive.
     • Participant agrees to connect the thermostat(s) to Wi-Fi within 90 days from when the thermostat shipped or be charged back the $120 enrollment bonus.
     • Participant can request a return for a full refund minus the shipping fee within 30 days of the order fulfillment date.
     • After 30 days returns are no longer accepted.
   • Pilot Enrollment Period Incentives. Participants in the Pilot until October 31 will receive a $25 year end incentive.
8. Communications. Participant agrees to provide and maintain valid email address for Pilot communications, accepts responsibility for the receipt of these communications and any consequences of not receiving them. To opt out of receiving these emails call 1-844-923-0176 or email support@SmartACpge.com. It may take up to 10 days to take effect.
9. Participant Device Data and Other Information. Participant authorizes PG&E and Uplight to access and/or will provide Participant's personal identifiable information, energy usage data, utility account number, and any other Device data or information generated and arising from Participant's participation during the Pilot Enrollment Period to carry out the Pilot's purpose and as required to be disclosed to the California Public Utilities Commission request.
10. Personal Non-Commercial Use. The Pilot is offered ONLY for personal non-commercial premises.
11. Costs. PG&E and Uplight are not responsible for providing the equipment or other requirements necessary to participate in the Pilot, i.e. the Devices, Internet access, or covering any added costs, if any, to Participant's electric bills. Participant may be responsible for the purchase price less available rebate, shipping, and handling costs incurred from purchasing an eligible smart thermostat from the Pilot's Online Store.
12. No Warranty; Disclaimer. PG&E and Uplight expressly disclaim all warranties of any kind relating to the Pilot, whether express, implied or statutory (including, without limitation, any implied warranties for conditions or merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, title, non-infringement or misappropriation of intellectual property rights.
13. Limitation of Liability. To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, under no circumstances shall Uplight or PG&E be liable for any indirect, incidental, special or consequential damages, arising in connection with the Pilot. If Participant is dissatisfied with the Pilot, any of these Terms, or believes Uplight or PG&E has breached these Terms in any way, Participant's sole and exclusive remedy is to discontinue participation in the Pilot.
14. Pilot Participation Termination.
    • Termination By PG&E. PG&E has the sole discretion to terminate the Pilot, or Participant's participation in the Pilot, at any time without cause by providing Participant written notice.
    • Termination by Participant. Participant may terminate their enrollment in the Pilot at any time for any reason by calling Uplight at 1-844-923-0176 or sending an email to support@SmartACpge.com. As such, Pilot participation is completely voluntary, and Participant can decide to withdraw at any point in the Pilot.
15. General.
    • Entire Agreement. These Terms are the entire Agreement between PG&E, Uplight and Participant concerning the Pilot's eligibility and participation requirements.
    • No Assignment. These Terms may not be assigned by Participant without PG&E's prior written consent.
    • Severability and Waiver. If any provision herein is invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect.
    • Applicable Law and Dispute Resolution. These Terms 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.
    • Consent and Capacity. 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 to participate in this Pilot and adhere to these Terms. Participant shall be solely responsible for any failure to receive such necessary consents and approvals.
    • Severability and Waiver. In the event any provision in these Terms is held to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will remain in full force and effect. The failure to enforce any right or provision of these Terms will not be deemed a waiver of such right or provision.
    • Survival. Termination of the Participant's enrollment in the Pilot's will not affect the obligations and rights under these Terms which by their sense and context are intended to survive such termination.