Energy Savings for Business offers a variety of programs to meet your business’s needs.
Energy efficiency is a more effective and less expensive way for the Maryland utilities to meet the growing electricity demands of the state. The Maryland General Assembly recently established a new goal structure for the EmPOWER Maryland Energy Efficiency Act, which requires electric utilities to achieve a certain amount of energy savings annually.
To learn more about EmPOWER Maryland, contact:
Maryland Energy Administration
1800 Washington Blvd. Suite 755
Baltimore, MD 21230
Main line: 410-537-4000
Or visit the Maryland Energy Administration.
The Pepco Energy Savings for Business program offers organizations of all sizes financial incentives for upgrading to energy-efficient equipment.
If you’re unsure where to start, call our Customer Care team at 1-866-353-5798 or email a program energy expert:
For Small Business, Quick Energy Check-up, and Combined Heat and Power Projects:
Email: Pepcobusiness@mdenergyadvisors.com.
For Medium and Large Business, Building Tune-up, Business Instant Discounts, Energy Efficient Communities, New Construction, and Major Renovation Projects:
Email: pepcobusiness@icf.com
Our energy experts will help you determine what equipment upgrades will make the most impact for your facility. Your Service Provider can also help you identify which equipment is right for your facility. Pepco’s approved Service Providers received training on all equipment included in the Energy Savings for Business program and can help guide you through the application and installation process. Click on the appropriate program to connect with a Service Provider – Small Business program | Medium and Large Business program
You can find a list of equipment and incentives by visiting the Small Business program or Medium to Large Business program incentive pages.
Taking advantage of the Pepco Energy Savings for Business program is a more effective way to start lowering your facility’s operating costs. The program offers generous cash incentives that can cover 50%-70% of project costs. View our program offerings here.
The size of your business is determined by your monthly electric energy demand over a 12-month period. Small businesses have a monthly energy demand of 100 kW or less and medium/large businesses have a monthly energy demand greater than 100 kW. If you are unsure whether you are a small or medium/large business, please contact us for help in determining your building size.
Our energy efficiency experts can help you determine eligibility and incentive information. Contact us for more information regarding the Energy Savings for Business program.
Your monthly energy demand is published on the facility’s monthly energy bill. You can also contact us for assistance in determining eligibility.
Pepco’s Business Instant Discounts program offers instant discounts on lighting and HVAC measures to business customers through local distributors. Find participating distributors by visiting pepco.com/BID.
Yes. Lighting and HVAC equipment must be purchased through a participating distributor in order to be eligible for Business Instant Discounts. In addition to competitive pricing on energy efficient lighting and HVAC equipment, participating distributors can also provide you with a sales representative to offer personalized advice and technical expertise on eligible products that meet the needs of your business. Approved distributors may also offer convenient service drop-shipments of your lighting or HVAC products right to your facility.
No. Neither an application nor an electric account number are required. The equipment installation address and the customer contact information is required at the point of sale. A Pepco program representative will verify the customer's eligibility, installation address, and receipt of the indicated equipment post-purchase.
The Pepco Business Instant Discounts Program has teamed up with participating local distributors to provide instant discounts right at the point of sale. Simply call or visit a participating local distributor. Your discount will be applied automatically to the purchase price – no application required! Visit pepco.com/BID for a current list of participating distributors.
All current Pepco business customers located in Maryland are eligible to participate in the Business Instant Discounts program. Equipment must be installed at the facility of a Pepco business customer.
Move the smart plug closer to the gateway/hub for a better connection. If that doesn't work, remove, and re-add the smart plug in the app.
Switches are usually dimmer switches:
1. Start with the dimmer switch turned all the way down.
2. Hold the up button for a few seconds to attempt turning it on.
3. If it doesn't work, reach out to us for further assistance.
Follow these steps:
Once connected, your Ecobee Thermostat will be added to your account in the Climate Control section of the Devices page.
To add a motion sensor in the app, follow these steps:
Follow these steps:
The screen will proceed automatically when the connection is successful.
If you're experiencing issues with your Pepco Smart Home App, please download the Care Daily iOS or Android app. You can then use the phone number associated with your Pepco Smart Home app to log in. Using your Pepco Smart Home app associated phone number will link your existing location and devices into the new app.
To prevent damage to the paint or wall, gently twist the motion sensor either clockwise or counter-clockwise to release it from the sticky tape. This gradual motion will safely detach it from the wall.
You can contact Honeywell customer service at 800-633-3991 or visit the Honeywell website. You may also find useful troubleshooting information for your smart thermostat here.
The sensor uses a CR2032 lithium coin cell battery, available on Amazon. You can check the sensor battery levels in the app under Devices; these batteries typically last two years or more, depending on usage.
To change an Entry Sensor battery:
1. Locate the battery cartridge on the top of the sensor.
2. Pull the battery cartridge out.
3. Replace the battery with the positive (+) side facing outward.
4. Replace the sensor cover.
5. Remount the sensor.
Check your programmable thermostat. When a conservation period occurs, the LED will glow red and the display will read “SAVE” for the duration of the period.
Check your programmable thermostat. When a conservation period occurs, the LED will glow red and the display will read “Event in Progress” at the top of the screen. The center of the control arrows will maintain a steady light for the duration of the period.
If you have an outdoor switch, you will need to go outside to inspect the device. A red LED will appear in the window of the outdoor switch throughout the conservation period.
Yes. This could occur, and in that event you would be required to participate per the program rules and the customer agreement.
All customers are permitted two (2) opt outs from non-Priority Peak Days during the cooling season. Participants who wish to opt out will need to call our Energy Wise Rewards Service Center at 1-866-353-5798.
Reducing the use of fossil fuels reduces greenhouse gas emissions. By reducing electricity demand during a conservation period, Energy Wise Rewards also reduces emissions by averting the need for production of additional electricity. When load is highest and supplies are strained, the least efficient power plants must be brought into operation to meet demand or outages become likely. Lower efficiency electricity production also generally equates with higher emissions. The Energy Wise Rewards approach reduces the urgency in building additional power lines and power stations, thereby preserving our natural environment.
Pepco customers use more electricity during the summer season than at other times of the year. As the area grows and more new and existing customers install central air conditioners, demand for electricity reaches higher and higher peaks in the summer, putting a strain on the power system. Participating in Energy Wise Rewards helps all of us to avoid paying for the construction of new power plants built primarily to operate only during times of very high electricity demand for a handful of hours per year.
Demand for electricity in our area is rapidly rising. During the “peak demand” times of summer, Energy Wise Rewards works to reduce electricity usage by “cycling” central air conditioners throughout the region, averting power outages. This reduces the need to build costly, new electrical infrastructure that can drive up rates, and reduces the amount of fossil fuel bought and burned to generate power to satisfy demand.
When a conservation period is called, your device will receive a radio signal that will put your cooling unit’s compressor into a “conservation mode”. For instance, if you elect 50% cycling, your compressor will operate half the time it did during the hour prior to the conservation period. The fan will continue to circulate air even though the compressor has reduced operating time.
No. Participation is totally voluntary and you do not pay to participate.
Yes. Energy Wise Rewards has been designed to meet your changing needs. You will need to contact the Program Call Center at 1-866-353-5798 to request and schedule the change of devices.
Conservation periods typically occur on hot weekday afternoons and can last anywhere from 3 to 6 hours.
Keep in mind that the duration of conservation periods could be reduced as the number of Energy Wise Rewards participants increases. This requires a community-wide effort, so spread the word and share the load.
If an emergency event is called by PJM** (Priority Peak Day) for reliability reasons, it will last until the situation is resolved; therefore, Pepco cannot state how long an event of this type may last.
Depending on the level of participation you choose, you may or may not notice that an Energy Wise Rewards conservation period is even occurring. During the course of a conservation period, the temperature in a typical home may rise 1-3 degrees (50% level), 2-4 degrees (75% level), or 4-7 degrees (100% level). Variables such as home insulation, shaded windows, the addition of ceiling fans, and the amount of foot traffic can also affect the temperature.
You can still schedule a home energy assessment through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program and receive up to $10,000 in rebates for eligible home upgrades. You may also qualify for low-interest financing (0% interest for 24 months).
If your income is below the minimum household income allowed by the Home Performance Moderate Income Offering, you may qualify for income eligible programs through the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development. Learn more by visiting dhcd.maryland.gov/Residents/Pages/lieep or calling 1-855-583-8976.
Customers who are interested in participating can apply here. Participation will be dependent on income verification.
The applicant must be assigned to work at a commercial and/or industrial facility within the Pepco Maryland territory and be present at that facility at least 50% of his or her working hours. They must also be employed in a position of responsibility for the energy management of the facility or have the potential to influence the building’s energy performance. In cases where the applicant is a contractor and not a direct employee of the Pepco customer, a representative of the Pepco customer must sign the application to confirm that the applicant is assigned to work at the customer’s facility as indicated above and that the customer supports the applicant’s participation in the program.
Pepco’s Operations and Maintenance Training offers cash incentives for training courses which have a focus on reducing and conserving electrical energy within your facility. An application must be submitted in advance and receive approval by the Pepco Energy Savings for Business team. Learn more about the program by visiting pepco.com/EnergyTraining.
Pepco has already found quality energy efficiency training courses that you can trust. The list of pre-qualified courses can be found on pepco.com/EnergyTraining. Customers have the option to submit a course that does not appear on our website for pre-approval. The program will consider applications for non-listed courses on a case-by-case basis, and pre-approval is required. Please be sure to provide a detailed description of the non-listed course in your application.
An air sourced heat pump is an HVAC system that can both heat and cool your home. In winter, it pulls heat from outside air—even when it’s cold—and brings it inside. In summer, it works like an air conditioner by removing heat from your home.
Similar to an air sourced heat pump, heat pump water heater technology uses air within your home to heat the stored water within the storage tank.
Air sourced heat pumps have come a long way with their ability to operate in extreme cold temperatures. Traditionally, air-sourced heat pumps needed auxiliary heating such as electric strip heaters or a backup furnace to maintain indoor temperatures during periods of extreme outdoor temperatures.
There are now cold climate heat pumps that can operate in temperatures that are well below the average winter temperatures for our area. Check here for cold climate heat pump information or ask your participating contractor to learn if one of these units is right for you.
To qualify for electrification rebates:
Weatherization upgrades allow your home to become more energy efficient. Upgrading your home’s insulation and improving the air sealing of your home allows you to slow the heat transfer (both hot and cold) of conditioned air throughout the year. In other words, the hot and cold air stay in your home longer, reducing the runtimes for your HVAC system.
When pairing weatherization upgrades with a new HVAC system, you are ensuring that the right sized HVAC equipment is installed and allowing the new system to run more efficiently. This approach will help improve your indoor comfort year-round while helping to lower operating costs.
Electrification is the process of partially or fully converting a home’s major appliances/systems that rely on combustion fuels (natural gas, oil, or propane) to ones that run on electricity. An example would be converting a storage tank water heater that runs on natural gas to a heat pump water heater that runs solely on electricity.
Customers are eligible to receive rebates of up to $15,000 when switching combustion fueled (natural gas, oil, or propane) HVAC and/or Water Heating systems to electric fueled systems such as air sourced heat pumps and/or heat pump water heaters.Click here to learn more.
Yes, but the study must be comprehensive, identifying and analyzing all electricity-saving measures, and not be limited to only CHP.
CHP projects that are cost-effective have a nearly constant electrical and thermal load at a moderate temperature. Facilities that often benefit from these projects include:
Incentive payments typically take two to three weeks to arrive once the final inspection is completed and all project documentation has been submitted for approval.
CHP projects will reduce the use of electricity delivered via the power grid to Pepco customer facilities in Maryland. CHP projects also help meet the EmPOWER Maryland energy savings goals.
When you enroll, we’ll connect an indoor Energy Wise Rewards programmable thermostat or an outdoor switch near your central air conditioning unit or heat pump. On selected days from June through October (Peak Savings Days), we’ll automatically cycle participating central air conditioners and heat pumps to help balance the region’s demand for electricity. These events are known as “conservation periods”. The more participants in the program, the greater the likelihood of reduced duration for any single conservation period. Energy Wise Rewards works best when it is truly a community-wide effort.
In order to receive the entire available credits in a calendar year, your device must be installed prior to your June bill. Although Pepco cannot guarantee installation, if you enroll and schedule your appointment prior to March 30, you are most likely to have the device installed prior to your June bill (even if you receive your bill early in June).
Yes. Energy Wise Rewards has been designed to meet your changing needs. During your first year of participation, you will be permitted to switch your cycling level twice (2x). In subsequent years, you will be permitted to change your level of commitment once (1x) annually.
The number of conservation periods depends on many factors, including weather, peak electricity demand, and wholesale energy costs. Energy Wise Rewards is only activated during times of high electricity demand, emergency conditions, or system testing. As such, there may be as few as one or two Peak Savings Days or as many as a dozen. In a typical year, one can expect 5 or less events.
The number of conservation periods depends on many factors, including weather, peak electricity demand, and wholesale energy costs. Energy Wise Rewards is only activated during times of high electricity demand, emergency conditions, or system testing. As such, there may be as few as one or two Peak Savings Days or as many as a dozen. In a typical year, one can expect 5 or less events.
Yes, our multifamily program provides the opportunity to recycle multiple units at once. This program adheres to the same eligibility requirements as our standard Appliance Recycling program. If you're interested in this opportunity, please contact 1-833-202-3657 as bulk orders cannot be placed through the online scheduler.
Yes, our multifamily program allows for property management companies to recycle multiple appliances from several units at a time. Each unit must be individually and residentially metered, following the same eligibility criteria of our standard Appliance Recycling program.
Our multifamily program enables multifamily property owners and property management companies to recycle appliances from several units at a time. The appliances must be owned by the property owner and come from individually metered residential units, following the same eligibility criteria of our standard Appliance Recycling program.
Yes. As a participant in the Energy Efficient Communities program, Pepco is happy to help assist you through the process of identifying potential projects and walking through the applications. You will need to provide a main point of contact who is responsible for managing your project(s). The point of contact, or Energy Champion, will be the person responsible for getting pre-approval for the project, participating in an O&M Training course, and meeting regularly with the Pepco team to check on status and compliance.
Any city, municipal, county, or town government agency paying into the EmPOWER Maryland fund with an active Maryland Pepco business electric account and a monthly demand greater than 100 kW over a 12-month period.
All participants in the Communities program must take the following actions:
Street Lighting is a great project that falls under the prescriptive portion of the program. Additional information on eligible street lighting can be found here. It is important to note, though, the Communities Program is designed to develop a comprehensive program plan over three (3) years. We are happy to work with you to identify additional projects, but if you decide that this will be a one-time initiative, we can work with you to submit this project under another Energy Savings for Business program. For additional information on our other programs, please visit pepco.com/business.
The Communities program is designed to help your organization identify projects that will work together to help you save energy and money. By enrolling in this program and committing to working with us on multiple projects, we agree to lock in the current incentive rates for the duration of the MOU agreement. If incentives decrease during that time, your project will still be held to the higher incentives that were part of the pre-approval process. If the incentives are increased, we will honor the higher amounts. As an added bonus, we will also cover the cost of one (1) O&M Training course that is required for this program.
Communities program customers are eligible for incentives offered through any of Pepco’s Energy Savings for Business programs. Communities program customers will receive assistance in developing an implementation plan, one complimentary registration to an Operations and Maintenance Training Course, and locked-in incentive rates. To learn more about the program, visit pepco.com/communities.
You must be a current residential Pepco customer with a valid account number, as well as the owner of the house where the assessment will be performed.
Pepco customers pay $100 for a Home Energy Assessment. The $100 offer is available to customers who live in homes up to 3,000 square feet with a single combustion appliance zone. Assessments of larger homes or ones with multiple combustion appliance zones may cost more. Customers should discuss the cost with their selected participating contractor.
Customers can receive up to $10,000 in rebates, but rebates will vary, depending on the breadth and scope of the home improvements.
Once your energy assessment is complete and you receive the contractor’s recommendations, it’s your decision whether to sign a contract and move forward with the improvements. You are under no obligation to have the work performed. However, customers should keep in mind that our recommended energy efficiency improvements can lower their energy bills and improve indoor air quality and the comfort of their home.
The scope of upgrades, and the time needed to complete them, will vary depending on your home and the type of energy efficiency improvements you choose. To complete the selected upgrades, your contractor may have to visit your home on multiple days. We strongly recommend that you meet with your contractor at the beginning of each day before work begins, and at the end of the day to review their progress and help you better understand the project timeline.
Pepco Maryland business customers with a monthly energy demand greater than 100 kW over the last 12 months can apply for the Prescriptive and Custom programs. Pepco customers with a monthly energy demand of 100kW or less may participate in the Custom program as well if they are not also applying for the same measures through the Small Business program.
The Prescriptive program offers a wide range of pre-qualified “standard” measures to choose from. This means that from the start you will know how much energy you are estimated to save and the incentive amount you will receive in return. The Custom program provides a path for customers involved in more complex and creative projects, offering financial incentives for energy-efficient projects and measures not included in the Prescriptive program.
The Inflation Reduction Act includes funding to support clean energy and climate initiatives through tax credits and deductions related to energy efficiency, clean electricity, clean fuels, manufacturing and low or no-emissions vehicles.
These tax incentives are intended to encourage homeowners to invest in energy-efficient systems and reduce their annual energy costs and carbon footprint.
Starting Jan. 1, 2023, new federal tax credits will be in place for 10 years—through 2032.
Yes, air sealing and insulation work is eligible for a tax credit of 30% of the project cost (up to $1,200) with Inflation Reduction Act federal tax credits.
You should consult with your tax professional before claiming any Inflation Reduction Act tax credits.
Building Tune-up is a systematic process that optimizes energy use and overall energy efficiency in existing buildings. Similar to tuning up a car, the process improves operational efficiencies, yielding energy savings and extending the life of your equipment. The Building Tune-up process also provides non-energy benefits such as improved comfort, enhanced air quality, and increased occupant satisfaction.
Pepco business customers that meet the following criteria are eligible to participate:
Yes. The Building Tune-up program offers cash incentives to businesses for maintaining existing equipment.
Once the technician is onsite, he or she may determine that your air conditioning system either (a) has a problem that prevents installation without repairs being done first, or (b) is not compatible with the equipment being installed. Should this happen, the technician will inform you of the findings and your options.
The energy saving benefits of programmable thermostats have been explored by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). According to the DOE, depending on usage patterns and how effectively you program the thermostat, it is possible to save as much as 10% on home cooling and heating costs, assuming winter set backs and summer set forwards when the home is empty.
Select your approved Service Provider by viewing the Service Provider Directory.
Please review the Service Provider requirements and apply here to get started.
You are welcome to submit the application and/or install the equipment yourself, or have one of your employees perform the installation. However, if someone other than yourself or your employee will be submitting the application or installing equipment, you are required to use an approved Service Provider. Pepco-authorized Service Providers must meet certain criteria and standards to be approved to participate in the Energy Savings for Business program. Authorized Service Providers participating in the Energy Savings for Business program allow you to find experienced contractors, distributors, and other professionals with ease. If you are interested in using a Service Provider not found on our list of authorized Service Providers, have them apply here. Service Providers will provide technical support and can assist you with the application process and/or the installation of your energy-efficient upgrades.
The Small Business program is open to commercial, non-profit, and government customers who use an average of 100 kW or less per month. Simply check your monthly bill or contact us to confirm your average usage.
Incentive payments typically take two to three weeks to arrive once the final inspection is completed.
The Small Business program was specifically designed to help smaller businesses, non-profits, and government organizations reduce their energy usage with new energy-efficient equipment and technologies. We understand businesses like yours have limited resources and time to deal with equipment upgrades, so your Service Provider will handle nearly all the work, leaving you more time to focus on your business.
Yes, only you can decide what’s appropriate for you. However, we want to make sure you are aware that the temperature inside the house will increase during a conservation period, and you should take that into consideration before enrolling.
To qualify for Energy Wise Rewards, you should be a homeowner or a resident in a multiple dwelling complex, with either a central air conditioning unit or heat pump and receive an electric bill directly from Pepco.
The following equipment does not qualify for Energy Wise Rewards and is therefore unable to receive an energy-saving device:
Still have questions about whether your home qualifies? Please contact us prior to enrollment at 866-353-5798.
Yes. The customer will indicate in section III of the terms and conditions (titled “Payment Information”) which party will receive the incentive payment for the project. Program incentives will be granted to only one party.
You should receive your incentive check four to six weeks after final approval.
No; however, any customer and/or Service Provider receiving an incentive payment may be contacted by an evaluator to verify service/equipment installation or be asked to complete an optional written, oral, or electronic survey.
When you enroll, we’ll install your choice of an Energy Wise Rewards web-programmable thermostat or an outdoor switch near your central air conditioning unit or heat pump, in each facility. On selected Peak Savings Days from June through October, we’ll automatically cycle off and on participating central air conditioners and heat pumps for short periods to help balance the region’s demand for electricity. These events are known as conservation periods. In turn, you will receive an Installation Credit and Energy Wise Rewards Bill Credits for your participation.
In order to receive all available credits in a calendar year, your device must be installed prior to your June bill. Although Pepco cannot guarantee when your installation will occur, if you enroll and schedule your appointment prior to March 30, the device is likely to be installed prior to your June bill (even if you receive your bill early in June).
Energy Wise Rewards is part of EmPOWER MD which strives to create a more sustainable and energy-efficient future for Maryland by promoting responsible energy use and conservation.
The number of conservation periods depends on many factors, including weather, peak electricity demand, and wholesale energy costs. Energy Wise Rewards is only activated during times of high electricity demand, emergency conditions, or system testing. As such, there may be as few as one or two Peak Savings Days or as many as a dozen. In a typical year, one can expect five or less events.
To qualify for Energy Wise Rewards, your facility must have either a central air conditioning unit or heat pump in good operating condition. Businesses, community organizations, government and municipal offices, retailers, schools, restaurants, and congregations are eligible to participate, even if the organization does not receive an electric bill directly from Pepco.
The following equipment do not qualify for Energy Wise Rewards and are therefore unable to receive an energy saving device:
If you have any questions about whether or not your facility qualifies, please contact us prior to enrollment at 1-866-353-5798.
Flex Rewards is a new approach to Energy Wise Rewards that initiates short and more frequent energy-saving events throughout the year. This reduces strain on the grid and has minimal impact to customers because the events are often unnoticed. Customers can receive bill credits of up to $72 per device per year for participating in the program.
Depending on your thermostat provider, notifications will appear on the thermostat, mobile device, or web application.
The primary focus of Flex Rewards is to achieve electricity demand reduction without compromising customer comfort. Events are designed to be “invisible” to customers. Your thermostat will be adjusted by up to 3 degrees only on event days. Your participation is voluntary, and you will retain control of your thermostat. You can easily opt out of an event for any reason.
Send an email to PepcoFlexRewards@icf.com requesting to move back to the summer-only program. Once you have been unenrolled in Flex Rewards, your thermostat will be controlled for summer events only.
Send an email to PepcoFlexRewards@icf.com requesting to end your participation in the program. Once you have been unenrolled in the program, your thermostat(s) will no longer be controlled.
Contact us. We can have an energy expert discuss options with you about how to handle custom projects.
Yes, as long as they are also electronically time-stamped and dated. Customer contact information is required and the customer may be contacted to verify the project.
Yes. Please submit a written request indicating the reason for the extension and new expected completion date to the appropriate program email address below. Please include the project ID in the subject line of the email.
No. You may cancel your project at any time.
Pre- and post-inspections may be required and are determined on a project-by-project basis by the Pepco Energy Savings for Business team.
Small Business program: Contact the program team for further direction- pepcobusiness@icf.com
Medium and Large Business programs: Prescriptive and custom measures cannot be combined on the same application. Applicants must submit a prescriptive application for any prescriptive measures, and a separate custom application for any custom measures. If installing measures that fall into different prescriptive programs (for example, lighting fixtures that are covered under their own Prescriptive program), submit one application per program, as needed. Each application should contain only the equipment listed as eligible for incentives under that program.
Yes, as long as the following conditions are met:
No. All project applications must be submitted prior to purchasing energy-efficient equipment. Contact the Pepco Energy Savings for Business team to evaluate other energy-saving opportunities for future projects.
After the appliance pickup and once we confirm that your appliance is in working condition, we’ll mail a check to your address within 6-8 weeks of your appliance pickup.
There is a limit of two large appliances (refrigerators and/or freezers) and two small appliances (room air conditioners, dehumidifiers, and/or mini refrigerators) per Maryland residential account per year. The small appliances must be picked up in conjunction with a refrigerator and/or freezer pickup.
Pepco can conduct outdoor pickups and the pickup crew can wear masks upon request.
On Peak Savings Days, select days between May and October, Pepco will automatically initiate conservation periods for participating central air conditioners and heat pumps to help balance the region’s demand for electricity. The more participants in the program, the greater the likelihood of reduced duration for any single conservation period. Energy Wise Rewards works best as a community-wide effort. For participating, you can receive monthly bill credits.
The number of conservation periods depends on many factors, including weather, peak electricity demand, and wholesale energy costs. Energy Wise Rewards is only activated during times of high electricity demand, emergency conditions, or system testing. As such, there may be as few as 2 Peak Savings Days, or as many as a dozen. In a typical year, one can expect 5 or less events.
Conservation periods during a Peak Savings Day typically occur on weekday afternoons and can last anywhere from 2 to 4 hours. If PJM* calls a conservation period (Priority Peak Day) for reliability reasons, it will last until the situation is resolved; therefore, Pepco cannot state how long an event of this type may last.
When you enroll and remain enrolled in Energy Wise Rewards, you will receive monthly bill credits from May through October. You will receive $8 per device per month for up to $40 per device per year. Each eligible device must be individually controlling an electric air conditioner or heat pump to receive incentives.
If your home is within a valid Pepco zip code, you should see a program offer for Energy Wise Rewards within your smart thermostat mobile app or website. The location of the program offer can differ between smart thermostat manufacturers. Once you locate the program offer, you can click it for more details and to start the enrollment application process. You will be asked to provide your name, email, account number and/or home address of where your eligible smart thermostat is located. You will also be asked to review and agree to the program terms and conditions. Once all steps are complete, your enrollment will be submitted for review and approval by the program. You can expect to receive enrollment approval or rejection within 10 business days.
You or someone in your household completed the enrollment steps including submitting your name, email address, account number and/or home address, and agreed to the program terms and conditions.
Ecobee Customers:
If you are an Ecobee customer, you signed up for “Eco +” which enrolls you in Ecobee’s thermostat optimization feature and allows you to enroll in Energy Wise Rewards.
Google Nest Customers:
If you are a Google Nest customer, you signed up for “Rush Hour Rewards” which is Nest’s proprietary name for Energy Wise Rewards. Though different in name, Rush Hour Rewards and Energy Wise Rewards are the same program.
No, Energy Wise Rewards does not make daily adjustments to your thermostat. If you are experiencing daily adjustments to your thermostat, you are likely enrolled in either Ecobee’s “Eco+” or Google Nest’s “Seasonal Savings” thermostat optimization feature. These optimization features use an algorithm to learn your thermostat behavior and adjust temperature setpoints to save you energy while maintaining your comfort.
No, you are always in control of your own thermostat(s). The program does not monitor your thermostat setpoints. The program partners with your smart thermostat manufacturer to send conservation period signals during times of peak electricity demand. Your thermostat manufacturer manages any temperature setpoint adjustments and you are always able to opt out of a conservation period if you wish.
Peak electricity demand occurs when everyone uses a lot of electricity at the same time, creating stresses on the energy supply. The frequency of critical peak demand periods has increased as the population and the use of electric products has increased. Energy Wise Rewards is just one way Pepco is managing the rising demand for electricity, averting power outages, and helping the environment by reducing emissions produced on summer days.
You may or may not notice that an Energy Wise Rewards conservation period is occurring. The temperature in a typical home may rise 1-3 degrees by the end of a conservation event. Variables such as home insulation, shaded windows, the use of ceiling fans, and the amount of foot traffic can affect the inside temperature.
Yes. To opt out, simply change the temperature on your smart thermostat or in the thermostat mobile application. Most customers will not notice a difference in comfort during a 3- to 4-hour conservation period. The program reserves the right to unenroll any participant that consistently opts-out of conservation periods.
If your thermostat isn’t currently listed as eligible, you have two options:
You can adjust your smart thermostat settings at any time.
You can enroll any smart thermostat that is listed on the eligible thermostats page even if you have different thermostat brands in different locations in your home.
Pepco, the smart thermostat manufacturers, and Pepco’s partner, Connected Savings, treat all customer data as confidential and will only use your data to implement the program. For evaluation, measurement & verification purposes, your thermostat data may be used in aggregate for reporting purposes to the Maryland Public Service Commission. For further details, please refer to the Terms and Conditions here.
Pepco’s Energy Wise Rewards relies on being able to communicate with your thermostat, which requires a Wi-Fi connection. While temporary outages may not have significant impacts, your thermostat must remain connected to your home’s Wi-Fi to achieve the full benefits of this program. You may be removed from either or both programs if your thermostat is not connected for extended periods of time.
Current Energy Wise Rewards participants who would like to transition from an Energy Wise Rewards thermostat to a smart thermostat can still participate in the program! Please contact us so your Energy Wise Rewards thermostat can be collected. Then, install your eligible smart thermostat and enroll in Energy Wise Rewards here.
If you have an Energy Wise Rewards outdoor switch and are participating in the program, you should not enroll your smart thermostat in Energy Wise Rewards.
Your HVAC equipment must be in working condition. This service is intended to improve your system’s performance, not to fix any underlying or present issues. For a proper system check, a minimum outdoor temperature is required: 60°F for central air conditioners and 35°F for air source heat pumps.
Residential ducted HVAC equipment is eligible to receive a tune-up. This includes central air conditioners with a fossil fuel furnace, air source heat pumps with electric heat backup and dual fuel air source heat pumps.
The following systems are not eligible to receive a tune-up:
In addition, the participating contractor reserves the right to deny service to any equipment they deem ineligible.
The program is provided at no additional cost for Pepco Maryland residential customers.
Your HVAC unit is eligible for a tune-up once every three years.
Your contractor will identify any problems your system may have and restore your equipment to its optimal working condition through various procedures, including the following:
A participating contractor will contact you within two business days to schedule a tune-up. Only the certified contractors on this list are authorized to perform a tune-up on behalf of Pepco.
Customers are only eligible to receive a smart thermostat during their tune-up appointment. Customers who have already received a smart thermostat through a different Pepco program or already have a smart thermostat installed in their home may not be eligible to receive a smart thermostat during their tune-up.
During your Quick Home Energy Check-up, your certified Energy Analyst will:
Our goal is to provide you with the recommendations, specific to your home, that will best improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce energy use. Following the certified Energy Analyst’s visual inspection, you will receive a customized report containing the findings, which includes simple actions you can take to improve your home’s energy efficiency. You may also receive energy-saving items such as LED bulbs, smart thermostats,* and more based on your home’s individual needs, to help make your home more efficient.
A Quick Home Energy Check-up is a great way to get started, especially for those who are new to identifying ways to use energy efficiently. This program is designed as a visual inspection to help you better understand your home’s energy use and learn ways to make it more comfortable and energy efficient. A Quick Home Energy Check-up is also provided at no-additional cost to your existing Pepco service.
If you’re interested in receiving a more detailed home energy assessment with diagnostic testing, consider Pepco’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR Program (typically valued at $400 for just $100). This program is an effective way to identify and prioritize key home energy improvements, recommended to help you reduce your home energy use while improving indoor comfort. Plus, this program provides you rebates up to $7,500 for completing eligible home improvements.
Request an appointment with one of our certified Energy Analysts here or contact the Pepco Call Center at 866.353.5798. Only the certified Energy Analysts from the participating contractors found on this list are authorized to perform Quick Home Energy Check-ups on behalf of Pepco.
During an in-person Quick Home Energy Check-up, a certified Energy Analyst will come to your home to perform the visual inspection and install energy-saving products* (with your permission). Click here to learn more.
During a Virtual Home Energy Check-up, a certified Energy Analyst will connect with you via phone call or video chat to inspect your home. Following your appointment you will receive your energy-saving products in a kit via the mail. Click here to learn more.
Customers may receive the following number of energy-saving products installed depending on the number of occupants in the home.*
| Product | 1-3 Occupants | 4+ Occupants |
|---|---|---|
| ENERGY STAR certified LED bulbs | 14 | 14 |
| Faucet aerators | 3 | 5 |
| Efficient-flow showerheads | 2 | 3 |
| Water heater pipe wraps | 18 ft (9 hot, 9 cold) | 18 ft (9 hot, 9 cold) |
| Smart power strips | 1 | 2 |
| ShowerStart™ showerhead adapters | 2 | 3 |
| Smart thermostats | 2 | 2 |
| Weatherstripping | 100 ft | 100 ft |
| Door sweeps | 4 | 4 |