SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) – With temperature rising, it’s not too late to register for Power Saver Rewards, a California Public Utilities Commission program.

Anyone enrolled can receive credit on their electric bill when they reduce energy use during a Flex Alert issued between May 1 and Oct. 31. The annual limit for Power Saver Rewards events is 60 hours (or 12 events).

A Flex Alert is a call to reduce energy use, normally issued from 4 to 9 p.m. on hot days, when electricity demand is at its highest as residents return home from work or school.

Power Saver Rewards events are triggered when the California Independent System Operator issues a Flex Alert or an Energy Emergency Alert Watch, according to PG&E (Pacific Gas and Electric Company).

If a Flex Alert or an Energy Emergency Alert Watch is issued on short notice without day-before notification, then a Power Saver Rewards event will not be called for that day.

Enrollees receive Flex Alert notifications through emails, text messages and/or mobile app push notifications.

“The best way to help during a Flex Alert is to avoid using large appliances like dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, and to set your thermostat to 78 degrees,” said Wilfredo Cruz, the nonprofit Community Resource Project organization’s executive director. “If possible, use fans instead of your air conditioning. These small changes can make a big impact.”

The PG&E website offers the same tips as above, along with turning off lights not being used.

“It’s a win-win for all PG&E residents,” Cruz said. “You’re helping your community remain powered up during high-demand hours and you’re receiving a credit back on your utility bill at the same time.”

According to PG&E, those participating in the Power Saver Rewards Program will receive a yearly bill credit of $1 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy that is reduced during Power Saver Rewards events. Starting in 2024, incentives were lowered from $2 per KWh to $1 per kWh.

PG&E customers can sign up online for the Power Saver Rewards program at powersaver.pge.com. Or sign up at PowerSaverRewards.org.

For more information from PG&E, go online to powersaver.pge.com or call 800-743-5000.