PLEASE NOTE: This website has been updated to provide additional information about the PeakRewardsSM program. As always we appreciate customer feedback.
Please click on the program or subject you have a question about:
As of Saturday, June 1, the process to sign-up for cycling event notifications will change. For more information, please contact the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325).
PLEASE NOTE: This website has been updated to provide additional information about the PeakRewardsSM program. As always we appreciate customer feedback.
Please click on the program or subject you have a question about:
PeakRewards is designed to help ease the “peak” demand for electricity in the Mid-Atlantic region. It is part of the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program®, which helps you conserve energy, save money and protect the environment. The PeakRewards A/C program gives you a professionally installed outside air conditioner switch or programmable thermostat. These technologies allow BGE to cycle the compressor on your central air conditioner or electric heat pump during periods of peak electric demand, typically during the summer months when temperatures may be high. In exchange for allowing BGE to cycle your compressor, you will receive credits on your summer BGE bills every year in which you are enrolled. You’ll also get a matching bonus during your first year of participation for having a new PeakRewards device installed in your home.
Emergency Events
During an emergency event, regional demand for electricity is close to surpassing regional supply, and BGE is required by the regional grid manager, PJM, to activate its’ PeakRewards program. This type of event is usually called to avoid potential brownouts and rolling blackouts area-wide. A/C program participants will be cycled up to their chosen cycling level – 50%, 75% or 100%, and Electric Water Heater program participants will be cycled at 100%.
Non-Emergency Events
On occasion, BGE may activate its PeakRewards program when regional demand is not very close to surpassing regional supply, but the wholesale price of electricity is very high. These events may occur on a localized level restricted to certain areas within the BGE territory or they may occur across the entire BGE territory. Activating the PeakRewards program during these non-emergency events puts downward pressure on energy prices and increases the reliability of the distribution system. For non-emergency events, A/C program participants will be cycled up to 50% and Electric Water Heater program participants will be cycled at 100%.
The PeakRewards (A/C) program offers:
Equipment Choices — you can choose an outside air conditioner switch or the latest technology, an in-home, programmable thermostat. The equipment is professionally installed by a technician at no out-of-pocket cost.
Cycling Choices — Choose from:
*A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits for their participation in the program. As a “move-in” customer, you are currently enrolled at the 50% cycling level, the lowest level of credits and cycling. However, “move-in” customers are not eligible to receive the first-year bonus credits since the bonus is intended for the initial enrollment and installation of a device at a customer’s home.
** Credits are subject to change in future years. Terms and Conditions.
Credit Choices
Override Choices — you have the opportunity to override up to two non-emergency events each summer. To override an event, simply login to your PeakRewards Online Access account or call the PeakRewards customer service hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). During an emergency event and the transition out of an emergency event, you cannot override and will be cycled up to your chosen level.
Online Access — you have access to your thermostat(s) or switch(es) 24/7 with PeakRewards Online Access. If you have a PeakRewards thermostat, this feature allows you to manage your thermostat schedule, view your cycling history, view your device status from anywhere you have access to a web browser. To get started with PeakRewards Online Access, click here.
Electricity usage fluctuates constantly due to weather conditions, commercial and industrial business hours and residential electricity usage. During the summer months, demand is usually greater as electricity is used to cool homes and businesses, especially during weekday afternoons. “Peak electric demand” refers to the point of highest electricity use over a certain period of time. Throughout the day, BGE continually monitors electricity demand to ensure reliable delivery and minimize costs.
Yes. PeakRewards and Budget Billing are separate programs and BGE customers may participate in both. Budget Billing spreads your annual BGE bills evenly throughout the year. PeakRewards gives you bill credits on your summer BGE bills, after the budget billing amount is applied. For more information about Budget Billing click here.
BGE residential customers with central air conditioning or an electric heat pump in good working order can qualify for the A/C program. The program is available to all BGE electric customers regardless of their electricity supplier. For more information on electric choice, click here.
If you move into a home with an existing PeakRewards programmable thermostat or outdoor switch you are enrolled in the PeakRewards program. You are automatically enrolled at the 50% cycling level and may be cycled up to 50% for emergency and non-emergency events. You will see summer PeakRewards credits on your BGE bill from June to September. At any time, you can choose to increase your cycling level to receive higher bill credits or ask to be removed from the program. A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits if they continue to participate in the program, but will not receive the first-year matching bonus. The first-year matching bonus credits are only intended for the initial customer enrollment and device installation.
If you have questions about the program, call the PeakRewards hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
As a new PeakRewards A/C customer getting the thermostat or switch installed, you can expect to see your bill credits applied once the installation is complete. Once it is complete, you will receive bill credits spread equally over the four-month period of June through September, each year as follows:
*Four months of matching bonus credits will be issued on the same schedule as detailed above for the first year of participation. If the PeakRewards programmable thermostat or outdoor switch is installed during the summer months (June through September), the credit will be applied toward all subsequent summer months. For example, if installed in July, before the meter reading, you will receive three months of credits for July, August and September, and will continue each June through September thereafter.
If the PeakRewards programmable thermostat or outdoor switch is installed after your meter reading, you will receive credits starting the following month. Credits will not be prorated based upon the timing of the enrollment and installation.
*A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits for their participation in the program. As a “move-in” customer, you are currently enrolled at the 50% cycling level, the lowest level of credits and cycling. However, “move-in” customers are not eligible to receive the first-year bonus credits since the bonus is intended for the initial enrollment and installation of a device at a customer’s home.
** Credits are subject to change in future years. Terms and Conditions.
If you are a renter, click here for more information
If you are a property owner or manager, click here for more information.
When you participate in this program, you will begin receiving money—saving bill credits in the first summer billing cycle (June through September) following the installation of your PeakRewards programmable thermostat or outdoor switch. *During the first year of participation, these credits will be doubled on your energy bills for June through September, as an enrollment bonus for customers for whom the thermostat or switch is installed.
In addition to bill credits, the program will help reduce overall demand for electricity in the Mid-Atlantic region, which will result in electricity prices that are lower than they otherwise would have been. If you choose the programmable thermostat, you can save up to $890 over the next five years.
* A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will be defaulted to a 50% cycling level. A new move-in customer will receive ongoing bill credits, if they continue to participate in the program, but will not receive the first-year matching bonus. The first-year matching bonus credits are only intended for the initial customer enrollment and device installation.
PeakRewards Thermostat 5 Year Savings
For tips on how to decrease summer air conditioning costs and increase comfort, click here.
PeakRewards is a win-win program for the community and the region since participation also helps the environment. By enrolling in the program, you help reduce emissions from current and future power plants. Reduced energy use during peak periods also helps BGE deliver electricity more reliably (avoiding brownouts and rolling blackouts) and results in energy prices that are lower than they otherwise would have been.
The PeakRewards program is paid for by all residential BGE customers through the electric EmPOWER Maryland surcharge on their BGE bill. The program benefits all customers whether they participate or not as it prevents potential blackouts during periods of peak demand, helps keep overall energy costs lower than they otherwise would be, improves electric service reliability and reduces power plant emissions.
The “EmPower Md. Chg”, which includes the combined electric Energy Efficiency and PeakRewards surcharges, is $0.00203 per kWh or about $2.03 per month for an average home that uses 1,000 kWh per month. There also is a gas component to the EmPOWER Maryland charge on customers’ bills related to the energy efficiency programs. The average residential gas customer who consumes 58 therms per month will see a monthly gas surcharge (as of January 1st, 2012) of $.93 at the 1.61 cents per therm rate for the energy efficiency programs. These rates may be modified during 2012 as the programs for 2012 are finalized.
The program's benefits and costs change over time; the charge may be updated annually (or more often) to reflect these changes. In addition, the benefits of the program far outweigh the costs, ultimately helping to reduce customers’ bills and improve service reliability in the years to come. Over the past three years, participants in the PeakRewards program have provided over 520,000 megawatts of demand reduction.
Overall, the savings from PeakRewards far outweighs the cost of the program. Capacity and energy revenue earned by the program in the wholesale market are applied to offset the costs of PeakRewards. Customers see savings resulting from wholesale capacity and energy prices that are lower than they otherwise would have been. Also, BGE has the potential to spend less on transmission and distribution infrastructure because the program helps to relieve the peak load that this infrastructure has to carry.
As PeakRewards reduces demand for electricity, all customers, including those not participating in the program, benefit from electricity price reductions in the wholesale markets. The program improves electricity service reliability to all customers; and everyone reaps the environmental benefits of reducing emissions from electricity generation plants and reducing the amount of electricity that generation plants need to provide.
While most customers choose to stay in the PeakRewards Air Conditioning program and enjoy its many benefits, you can opt-out of the program without any penalties. Some customers who selected higher cycling levels opt to reduce their cycling level rather than leave the program. Should you decide to discontinue your participation, you may keep the programmable thermostat or switch; however, the summer bill credits will no longer be applied to your BGE bill. If you wish to opt-out of the program, simply call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
You can call PeakRewards customer hotline 1.888.309.7325 to have your cycling level changed. The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday. It can take from 48 hours up to one week in certain circumstances for your cycling level change to be effective. Once your cycling level is in effect, your bill credits will be adjusted accordingly for the next bill cycle. Keep in mind, you cannot change your cycling level during an emergency event or the transition out of an emergency event.
By allowing BGE to cycle electric water heaters during peak demand periods, customers can help reduce the overall demand on BGE’s electric system, which may delay the need for building new power plants and help keep future electricity prices lower than they otherwise would be, benefiting all customers.
The Electric Water Heater program is available to BGE customers with electric tank water heaters who live in certain areas. BGE may disqualify an installation based on non-conforming equipment (e.g. tankless water heaters) or equipment condition.
Thank you for your interest in the PeakRewards Electric Water Heater program. The program is now available in certain areas. Please click here to enroll, and contact the PeakRewards hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for more information about the program’s availability in your area.
If you have already registered for the PeakRewards Electric Water Heater program, a customer service representative will contact you soon to reconfirm your enrollment and schedule your switch installation. Installations will be managed on a first-come, first-served basis. You do not have to register again for this program.
Once the water heater switch has been installed, qualified BGE customers participating in the program will receive a total of $25 in bill credits each year and an additional matching bonus in the first year of $25 for signing up — a total of $50.
A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits, if they continue to participate in the program, but will not receive the first-year matching bonus. The first-year matching bonus credits are only intended for the initial customer enrollment and device installation.
The switches are designed to turn off 100% of the electricity to your electric water heater during periods of peak electric demand. During these peak demand periods, the hot water that is stored in the tank at the start of the event should retain heat for a period of time and be available for your use. However, if the hot water in the tank is used up during the event, water generated will not be heated until the peak demand period is over. Additionally, over time the hot water cools. Once the event is over, the electric water heater will resume normal operation.
Bill credits will be applied in the months of November, December, January and February each year. If you participate, you will receive bill credits of $6.25 per month plus a matching bonus of $6.25. The matching bonus doubles the bill credits in the first full year of participation.
The red light signals that a cycling event is activated and the water heater switch is interrupting the flow of electricity to your water heater. A green light indicates that the switch is not currently cycling your water heater but is energized.
In the normal state, the switch will not impact the operation of your water heater. The switch receives a cycling command, which will interrupt the flow of electricity to the water heater during the cycling period. Once the cycling period is completed, the water heater will resume normal operation. Note that the water heater should retain its capacity of hot water for a period of time but recovery of hot water will not be possible during a cycling event. No water is being heated during the event.
You will not begin receiving credits on your BGE bill until the Smart Switch is installed on your property. Once it is installed, you will start to receive your bill credits.
Typically, cycling occurs sometime between the hours of noon and 8 p.m. during the summertime. During the winter, cycling events will typically occur between the hours of 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. or 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. The length of a cycling event will depend on the type of event (emergency or non-emergency) and the need for BGE to reduce electric demand. It could last up to 7 hours or longer if system reliability requires a longer transition to normal operations. BGE is unable to predict the number of times it will cycle electric water heaters each year, nor maximum duration.
Events will typically occur during the summer months of June through September and the winter months of November through February but can happen during other months.
If an emergency event is called, it will generally last until the situation is averted, which may be more hours than non-emergency events. Additionally, even after the emergency event ends, there will be a transition period until full operation of your unit is restored during which cycling changes and overrides will be prohibited.
Yes, you can override up to two non-emergency cycling events from October through May.
There are two types of events: non-emergency and emergency.
A non-emergency event occurs when the price of electricity is very high. Activating the PeakRewards Electric Water Heater Program during a non-emergency situation helps with system reliability and keeps energy prices low. You can choose to “override” a non-emergency event on a particular date. An override can be scheduled in advance or at the beginning of a non-emergency event by calling the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or via the web.
During an emergency situation, BGE is directed by PJM Interconnection to activate its PeakRewards Electric Water Heater Program to help with electric grid reliability. PJM Interconnection is the independent, regional organization that coordinates the movement of stable and reliable electricity throughout a large portion of the eastern U.S. including Central Maryland. Overrides cannot be used during emergency events since it is an emergency situation to help avoid brownouts and potential blackouts. Also, if you scheduled an override and subsequently an emergency event is called, your override will be canceled.
Generally speaking within 30 minutes after the completion of the cycling event, the water heater will resume normal operation. The water heater will turn on automatically once the cycling event is completed without the need for manual intervention.
You can sign up for non-emergency and emergency event notifications and receive emails during events and at their conclusion. To sign up, call 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or visit BGEsavings.com/PeakNotifications. Additionally, if you sign-up for PeakRewards Online Access, you will be able to view your cycling status online. Cycling status messages such as: “You have not been cycled today,” “Currently cycling” or “You have been cycled today” will be displayed on the welcome page. If you have a concern about your equipment or detect your water heater is being cycled, you can also call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325).
Yes, in addition to the Electric Water Heater Program, customers with central air conditioning or electric heat pumps can receive additional bill credits by participating in the PeakRewards A/C (air conditioning) Program. If you sign-up for both the A/C and Electric Water Heater programs, you can get 8 months of bill credits totaling up to $125 per year. For more information about the PeakRewards A/C Program, click here
We strongly encourage participants to remain in the program. However, if you change your mind at any time you can call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to withdraw from the program. There are no charges or penalties for withdrawing from the program. However, once you asked to be removed from the program, the winter bill credits will no longer be applied. Removal from the program is usually processed in 3-5 business days, but may take up to 7 business days.
General maintenance should not require a call to BGE. However, you should inform the contractor that a BGE Electric Water Heater Smart Switch is installed. If a contractor needs to disconnect it for any maintenance or system replacement work, you should call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for immediate assistance. Tampering with or removal of the Electric Water Heater Smart Switch could jeopardize your bill credits.
Once a cycling event has fully ended, including the transition out of an event, your air conditioner or heat pump should resume normal operation within 30 minutes. However, the amount of time it takes for your home to return to normal temperature depends on many variables, including the outdoor temperature, how well your home is insulated, the condition of your air conditioner or heat pump, and the duration of the PeakRewards cycling event. If a cycling event has ended and the word “SAVINGS” still appears on your thermostat screen, or if there is a red light on your outdoor air conditioning switch, you should call the PeakRewards hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for assistance. Otherwise, if you believe your unit is not operating effectively, please contact your HVAC contractor.
Key causes of ineffective cooling is the system overheating due to a dirty air filter or clogged drain lines, or insufficient refrigerant, both of which can be avoided with routine system maintenance.
Some email providers use a practice called rate limiting to control the traffic on their mail servers which helps ensure emails are delivered but this practice may cause a lag in message delivery time. Rate limits are set by your email provider and it is recommended you contact them directly if you are not receiving emails promptly.
Electricity usage fluctuates constantly due to weather conditions, commercial and industrial business hours and residential electricity usage. During the summer months, demand is usually greater as electricity is used to cool homes and businesses, especially during weekday afternoons. “Peak electric demand” refers to the point of highest electricity use over a certain period of time. Throughout the day, BGE continually monitors electricity demand to minimize cost and ensure reliable delivery.
Emergency Events
During an emergency event, regional demand for electricity is close to surpassing regional supply, and BGE is required by the regional grid manager, PJM, to activate its’ PeakRewards program. This type of event is usually called to avoid potential brownouts and rolling blackouts area-wide. A/C program participants will be cycled up to their chosen cycling level – 50%, 75% or 100%, and Electric Water Heater program participants will be cycled at 100%.
Non-Emergency Events
On occasion, BGE may activate its PeakRewards program when regional demand is not very close to surpassing regional supply, but the wholesale price of electricity is very high. These events may occur on a localized level restricted to certain areas within the BGE territory or they may occur across the entire BGE territory. Activating the PeakRewards program during these non-emergency events puts downward pressure on energy prices and increases the reliability of the distribution system. For non-emergency events, A/C program participants will be cycled up to 50% and Electric Water Heater program participants will be cycled at 100%.
During periods of high electricity use in the Mid-Atlantic region, typically during the summer months, a radio signal may be sent to the programmable thermostat, outdoor A/C switch or electric hot water heater switch to interrupt the flow of electricity to your unit for a period of time each hour. This is called cycling. Only electricity to the A/C compressor or electric water heater is interrupted. Cycling reduces the peak demand for electricity, helping to maintain reliable service and lower the cost of electricity.
A/C program participants may choose a cycling level that will determine how long their air conditioner’s compressor will be impacted during an event:
All A/C customers are cycled up to 50% during non-emergency events and you may choose to override participation during this type of event up to two times per summer. You cannot change your cycling level, override your participation, or exit the program during an emergency event or during the transition out of an emergency event. You will be cycled up to your chosen cycling level — 50%, 75% or 100%.
Electric Water Heater program participants will be cycled at 100%, regardless of event type (emergency or non-emergency) and may choose to override up to four non-emergency events per year; two from June –September and two from October – May. You cannot change your cycling level, override your participation, or exit the program during an emergency event or during the transition out of an emergency event.
The length of a cycling event will depend on the type of event (emergency or non-emergency) and the need for BGE to reduce electric demand. It generally begins between 12 p.m. and 3.p.m, and could last up to 7 hours or longer if system reliability requires a longer transition to normal operations. BGE is unable to predict the number of times it will cycle air conditioners or electric heat pumps each year, nor maximum duration.
Cycling level is the key component of the PeakRewards program. A/C participants can choose from three different program options, which represent various cycling levels during emergency events. If you have health concerns, are elderly, have pets or children in the home that may be affected by increased temperatures due to a cycling event, we suggest that you select the 50% cycling level or call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to discuss what option may be best for you:
*A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits for their participation in the program. As a “move-in” customer, you are currently enrolled at the 50% cycling level, the lowest level of credits and cycling. However, “move-in” customers are not eligible to receive the first-year bonus credits since the bonus is intended for the initial enrollment and installation of a device at a customer’s home.
** Credits are subject to change in future years. Terms and Conditions.
The temperature change in your home during a cycling event will vary based on factors including: the outdoor temperature, how well your home is insulated, duration of the cycling event, air conditioning unit size, cycling level and other variables. Actual temperature changes during cycling may vary.
Note: All PeakRewards A/C participants will be cycled up to the 50% level during non-emergency events. If you think a cycling event is occurring, you may confirm the type of event by checking online via Online Access, looking for the word “SAVINGS” on a PeakRewards thermostat or a red light on the switch, or by calling the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
Electric Water Heater program participants will be cycled at 100%, regardless of event type (emergency or non-emergency)
**A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits, if they continue to participate in the program, but will not receive the first-year matching bonus. The first-year matching bonus credits are only intended for the initial customer enrollment and device installation.
Credits are subject to change in future years. Terms and Conditions.
Typically, cycling occurs Monday-Friday. The actual start time, end time, duration and day of the week of each cycling event varies.
The length of a cycling event will depend on the type of event (emergency or non-emergency) and the need for BGE to reduce electric demand. It generally begins between 12 p.m. and 3.p.m, and could last up to 7 hours or longer if system reliability requires a longer transition to normal operations. BGE is unable to predict the number of times it will cycle air conditioners or electric heat pumps each year, nor maximum duration.
Events will typically occur during the summer months of June through September but can happen during other months.
If an emergency event is called for reliability reasons, it will last until the situation is averted, which may be more hours than other events. Additionally, even after the emergency event ends, there will be a transition period until full operation of your unit is restored during which cycling changes will be prohibited.
There are several ways to know if a cycling event is taking place. A/C program participants may look for the word “SAVINGS” at the top of their programmable thermostat screen or may look for a red light on their outdoor switch. Likewise, electric water heater participants may also look for a red light on the front of their electric water heater switch.
Additionally, if you sign-up for PeakRewards Online Access, you will be able to view your cycling status online. Cycling status messages such as: “You have not been cycled today”, “Currently cycling”, or “You have been cycled today” will be displayed on the welcome page.
Customers could determine an event has been activated by viewing the word “SAVINGS” on their thermostat or by the red light on their outdoor or electric water heater switch. Customers could also log onto their PeakRewards Online Access account to view their cycling status. You can sign up for cycling event notifications and receive emails or texts at the start and conclusion of every cycling event. To sign up, call 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or visit BGESavings.com/PeakNotifications.
Note: standard data charges will apply for text messaging.
You can override your participation in a non-emergency cycling event up to two times each summer. You can schedule these overrides in advance or on the day of a non-emergency event by calling the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday. Each request will be handled in the order in which it is received and implemented as soon as the process allows. You may also override non-emergency events by logging in to your online account via PeakRewards Online Access.
When emergency events go into effect at the regional level, and BGE is required to activate its PeakRewards program, you cannot override your program participation. You may not change cycling levels, nor exit the program, during an emergency event and the transition out of this event. Also, if you scheduled an override and subsequently an emergency event is called, your override will be cancelled.
During an emergency event, and the remainder of the day when this event is called, the following tools will be temporarily unavailable via PeakRewards Online Access:
Please refer to the following “Tips to Stay Cool” for consideration during an emergency event:
Tips to stay cool during an event
You should typically be able to view your cycling level change on your PeakRewards Online Access account within 24–48 hours, but changes may take up to five business days in certain circumstances
During an emergency event, overrides are not permitted due to system reliability concerns and customers are cycled up to their chosen cycling levels. Under emergency conditions, BGE is directed by the regional grid manager, PJM Interconnection, to activate the PeakRewards program due to concerns that the demand for energy may exceed the supply. PeakRewards customers are not able to override since, under emergency conditions, there is an extreme need for lowering electricity demand. Scheduled overrides and overrides requested the day of an emergency event will not be implemented. In a critical situation, a customer representative can be reached 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Yes. If you schedule an override for a non-emergency cycling event and an event does not occur, the override will not count against the two overrides allowed per year and you will be able to schedule an override at a later date.
Normal unit operation should typically resume within 30 minutes from the receipt of the non-emergency cycling event override request, but could take more than 30 minutes in certain circumstances. Each request will be processed in the order in which it is received and implemented as soon as the system allows. For scheduled overrides, the electric water heater, air conditioning or electric heat pump unit will not be cycled on the scheduled day under non-emergency cycling event conditions.
The temperature change in your home during a cycling event will vary based on factors including: the outdoor temperature, how well your home is insulated, duration of the cycling event, cycling level and other variables. Please note, extreme temperatures outside can affect the duration of an event, which may also affect the temperature inside your home.
No, there is no limit to the number of hours you can be cycled. The length of a cycling event will depend on the type of event (emergency or non-emergency) and the need for BGE to reduce peak electric demand. BGE cannot predict the length of a cycling event. Cycling typically occurs Monday-Friday between the hours of 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Please note, cycling events may be activated outside of the Monday-Friday, 12 p.m.-7 p.m. timeframe. Also, the actual start time, end time, and duration of each cycling event will vary.
No. Data gathered during the PeakRewards pilot shows that A/C customers use between 25% and 50% less energy than they would have without the event. Significantly less energy is used when your A/C is being cycled. After a cycling event, while your A/C may be on more during the cool down period than it would typically be at that time, it actually is on less than it would have been absent the event. It also helps that the recovery period is typically in a cooler part of the day.
Once the cycling period is completed, the water heater will resume normal operation. Note that the water heater should retain its capacity of hot water for a period of time but recovery of hot water will not be possible during a cycling event. No water is being heated during the event.
Normal unit operation should resume within 30 minutes after the completion of a cycling event.
Customers who believe they may have been cycled at the wrong cycling level should call the PeakRewards hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) so that the cycling level can be verified and, if needed, a PeakRewards technician can perform an inspection of the thermostat or switch. The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
The length of a cycling event will depend on the type of event (emergency or non-emergency) and the need for BGE to reduce peak electric demand. BGE cannot predict the length of a cycling event. Cycling typically occurs Monday-Friday between the hours of 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. Please note, cycling events may be activated outside of the Monday-Friday, 12 p.m. – 7 p.m. timeframe. Also, the actual start time, end time, and duration of each cycling event will vary. BGE is unable to predict the number of times it will cycle air conditioners or electric heat pumps each year.
BGE schedules preseason cycling events to test system operations and customer communications ahead of the summer and winter cycling seasons.
Preseason cycling events are scheduled before the start of each cycling season: spring for air conditioning and electric water heater summer cycling and in the fall for electric water heater winter cycling. To limit potential customer inconvenience, preseason cycling events are planned for midday on weekdays.
During preseason summer cycling events, your central air conditioner or electric heat pump will be cycled up to your chosen cycling level (50%, 75%, or 100%), and you will not be able to override your participation. If you have a medical of health condition or require assistance, please call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK(7325).

The word “SAVINGS” appears across the top of your thermostat screen.
The light on the front of the switch is red instead of green.
Electric water heaters are cycled during both the spring and fall preseason cycling events. If you are enrolled in the PeakRewards Electric Water Heater or Energy Saver Switch program, your water heater will not produce any additional hot water for the duration of the event. The water in the tank at the start of the event should remain warm and available to use. However, additional water that refills the tank will not be heated until after the event ends.
You will not be able to override your participation in preseason cycling events. If you have questions, you may call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325).
One or more red lights, on the front of the Electric Water Heater switch, will be lit.
The light on the front of the switch will be red instead of green.
No. You may not override your participation during the preseason cycling events and the transition out of this event. If you scheduled an override for the day, the override will be canceled. Also, during preseason events, and the remainder of the day the following tools will be temporarily unavailable via PeakRewards Online Access:
Customers enrolled in PeakRewards are subject to the Terms and Conditions for the PeakRewards program. The program Terms and Conditions are available online at: BGEsavings.com/programresources.
General maintenance should not require a call to BGE. However, you should inform the contractor that a BGE thermostat, outdoor switch or electric water heater switch is installed. If a contractor needs to disconnect the thermostat or switch for any maintenance or system replacement work, you should call the PeakRewards hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for immediate assistance. Tampering with or removal of the PeakRewards device could jeopardize bill credits.
If you notice a slight rise in the indoor temperature during the cooling season, you should check the thermostat message area for the word “SAVINGS,” or the switch to see if the red light is on before calling a contractor to avoid an unnecessary service call. This will advise them that BGE is temporarily cycling your air conditioner. After the cycling event is over, the thermostat will return to normal operation. Likewise, if you notice that your supply of hot water has been reduced; first check your electric water heater switch for a red light to see if your unit is being cycled.
Most central air conditioning and electric heat pump units work with PeakRewards programmable thermostat technology. However, some systems are not currently compatible with PeakRewards thermostats and, on occasion, older or poorly maintained systems may not be compatible as well. In most cases, where a PeakRewards thermostat cannot be installed, a PeakRewards outdoor switch can be installed so that you may participate in the program.
Most electric water heaters, with a capacity of 30 gallons or more, are compatible with PeakRewards technology. Gas, tankless and some solar hot water heater systems are not compatible with the electric water heater switch.
A PeakRewards technician can evaluate your system to determine compatibility. If you have additional questions about system compatibility or would like to schedule an appointment, please call the PeakRewards hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
If you have more than one central air conditioner, electric water heater or electric heat pump unit, you can have multiple devices (thermostat and/or switches) installed. When there is an installation of two or more A/C devices at an installation appointment, all devices must be set at the same cycling level (50%, 75%, and 100%) at the time of installation. Once the device is installed, you can immediately call the PeakRewards hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to request different cycling levels for each A/C device. Your bill credit and matching bonus will be multiplied by the number of devices installed and cycling option selected. Note: Water heater switches are always cycled at the 100% level, regardless of event type (emergency or non-emergency).
You can help to avoid unnecessary use of auxiliary heat by setting the thermostat and leaving it alone. The PeakRewards programmable thermostat is specifically designed for heat pumps, which allows you to regulate the temperature in your home more efficiently. A programmable thermostat not designed for heat pump application will cause the auxiliary heat to come on prematurely after a nighttime setback. Auxiliary heat can offset any savings realized during the setback period. A heat pump programmable thermostat allows for greater recovery time, allowing the heat pump to gradually recover the desired temperature.
For helpful electric heat pump maintenance tips, click here
For more information on electric heat pumps, click here
PeakRewards installers are professionally trained to perform quality installations. While you should not experience any problems, if you do, you can call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for immediate assistance. A PeakRewards technician will inspect the installation of the PeakRewards device, but will not perform any other diagnostics or repairs. For issues not related to the PeakRewards device please contact your local contractor.
A PeakRewards outdoor air conditioner switch has a small radio receiver and is typically mounted on the foundation of your home near your outdoor air conditioning or electric heat pump unit. It is used to help reduce peak demand for electricity.
During periods of high electricity use in the Mid-Atlantic region, typically during the hot summer months, a radio signal may be sent to the outdoor switch to interrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor on your air conditioner or electric heat pump for a period of time each hour. This is called cycling. Only electricity to the compressor is interrupted. Cycling reduces the peak demand for electricity, helping to maintain reliable service and lower the cost of electricity.
The cycling option you chose determines how long your air conditioners’ compressor will be impacted during an event:
*A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits for their participation in the program. As a “move-in” customer, you are currently enrolled at the 50% cycling level, the lowest level of credits and cycling. However, “move-in” customers are not eligible to receive the first-year bonus credits since the bonus is intended for the initial enrollment and installation of a device at a customer’s home.
** Credits are subject to change in future years. Terms and Conditions.
All customers are cycled up to 50% during non-emergency events and you may choose to override participation during this type of event up to two times per summer. You cannot change your cycling level, override your participation, or exit the program during an emergency event or during the transition out of an emergency event. You will be cycled up to your chosen cycling level — 50%, 75% or 100%.
A red light will be displayed on the outdoor switch during the activation of a BGE cycling event, indicating that the outdoor switch is adjusting compressor activity. A green light will indicate that the outdoor switch has power and is connected to the network but is not currently affecting compressor activity. If you do not see any light on the outdoor air conditioner switch, call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). Additionally, you can check if an event is taking place by logging in to your online account via PeakRewards Online Access.
Typically, BGE will install the outdoor switch on the foundation of your home with a connection to the air conditioning or electric heat pump unit. By mounting it on your home, similar to the way a meter or cable box is mounted, you will avoid the chance of it being removed if the installers replace your air conditioning or electric heat pump unit. At your request, BGE will mount the outdoor switch directly onto the air conditioning or electric heat pump unit.
In most cases, you do not need to be home and do not require an appointment to have the outdoor switch installed, since installation does not require entry into the house. Some situations may require that you be present such as the type and location of the air conditioning unit, protective fencing, or the presence of a dog.
Many BGE customers have chosen to participate in PeakRewards by allowing BGE to install a special thermostat; air conditioner and/or electric water heater switch in their homes in order to help reduce energy demand during times of peak energy usage. Smart meters are part of a separate initiative designed to modernize the power grid, while PeakRewards is a voluntary peak demand reduction program. The smart meter reads energy usage, it does not control appliances.
The PeakRewards programmable thermostat refers to the Honeywell touch-screen programmable thermostat being used for the program. It can be programmed for four separate time periods each day with various settings for weekdays and weekends. Using a programmable thermostat can help you save up to 15% each year in energy costs versus a non-programmable thermostat. Savings vary. Click here to read user manual.
The model of thermostat used for PeakRewards has additional functionality, which allows BGE to communicate remotely with it during periods of peak demand. During periods of high electricity use in the Mid-Atlantic region, typically during the hot summer months, a radio signal may be sent to the programmable thermostat to interrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor on your air conditioner or heat pump for a period of time each hour. This is called cycling. Only electricity to the compressor is interrupted. Cycling reduces the peak demand for electricity, helping to maintain reliable service and lower the cost of electricity.
The cycling option you chose determines how long your air conditioners’ compressor will be impacted during an event:
*A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits for their participation in the program. As a “move-in” customer, you are currently enrolled at the 50% cycling level, the lowest level of credits and cycling. However, “move-in” customers are not eligible to receive the first-year bonus credits since the bonus is intended for the initial enrollment and installation of a device at a customer’s home.
** Credits are subject to change in future years. Terms and Conditions.
All customers are cycled up to 50% during non-emergency events and you may choose to override participation during this type of event up to two times per summer. You cannot change your cycling level, override your participation, or exit the program during an emergency event or during the transition out of an emergency event. You will be cycled up to your chosen cycling level — 50%, 75% or 100%.
When you enroll in PeakRewards, you have a choice of either an outdoor switch or programmable thermostat. If you currently have a switch on the outdoor unit, you can upgrade to the Honeywell programmable thermostat at any time by calling the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325).
BGE will work with you to schedule a convenient time to have the programmable thermostat installed. To schedule an installation, call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
You will see the word “SAVINGS” displayed in the thermostat window during a BGE cycling event. “SAVINGS” will disappear from your thermostat after the cycling event is over.
All customers are cycled up to 50% during non-emergency events and you may choose to override participation during this type of event up to two times per summer. You cannot change your cycling level, override your participation, or exit the program during an emergency event or during the transition out of an emergency event. You will be cycled up to your chosen cycling level — 50%, 75% or 100%.
The PeakRewards programmable thermostat has a built-in radio receiver, which allows BGE to send a cycling command to help ease electricity demand during periods of peak electricity use. You can use the PeakRewards Online Access features to manage your thermostat settings and preferences from anywhere with access to a web browser. Please note, BGE will not alter your temperature or any other settings from this device. If you already have a programmable thermostat that you are happy with, you can choose to have the outdoor switch installed instead.
No. Under no circumstance will BGE alter any thermostat settings without your express authorization. During the initial installation, a BGE representative will set the thermostat to your preferred setting or temperature schedule. You can also call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST on Saturday to have a customer service representative remotely perform thermostat scheduling functions on your behalf. Detailed instructions on setting the thermostat can be found in the user manual. You can also program your thermostat from anywhere you have access to a web browser with PeakRewards Online Access. To learn more about PeakRewards Online Access, click here.
No. The PeakRewards outdoor switch and programmable thermostat only track the run time and cycle time of the air conditioning system. These devices do not have the ability to track energy usage.
The system allows you to select and hold a specific temperature for vacation and other times when you are away. You should simply select the desired temperature and press the HOLD key. This setting will be maintained until you cancel it by pressing the CANCEL key, resuming normal cooling and heating schedule settings. You may also make any of these changes by calling the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) during normal operating hours. With your permission only, a customer service representative can remotely reset temperatures to your desired levels. The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
We are not aware of any safety concerns related to PeakRewards. The Honeywell UtilityPRO thermostat used for the PeakRewards program is rigorously tested prior to installing any of these devices in BGE customer homes. The PeakRewards thermostats go through a detailed testing and quality control process, performed both by the manufacturer and Honeywell so that the devices can meet a high level of customer safety, reliability and satisfaction.
If you have any health concerns, are elderly, have pets or children in the home that may be affected by increased temperatures due to a cycling event, but still want to participate in the program, we suggest that you select the 50% cycling level or call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to discuss what option may be best for you. The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
No. Smart meters are not the same as the Peak Rewards program devices. The smart meter’s primary function is to read energy usage. PeakRewards thermostats, air conditioning and water heater switches are part of a separate, voluntary energy use reduction program.
Your PeakRewards thermostat is powered by your heating and air conditioning system. The small battery on the side of the thermostat is simply used to retain the time and date and does not turn the thermostat on or off. If your system shuts down for any reason, power to the PeakRewards thermostat is interrupted and a blank thermostat screen will result until power is restored.
If you notice a blank screen on your PeakRewards thermostat, contact your heating and air conditioning contractor to schedule service of your system. Once your equipment has returned to normal working order, the power to your thermostat will be restored.
Your heating and air conditioning system may shut itself down for various reasons, which can include overheating due to a dirty air filter or clogged drain lines. This condition may be intermittent, and may result in your PeakRewards thermostat alternating between a blank screen and a normal screen.
Please note, PeakRewards participants cannot override program participation during an emergency cycling event and the transition out of this event. During an emergency event, and the remainder of the day when this event is called, the following Online Access tools will be temporarily unavailable:
PeakRewards Online Access is only compatible with Internet Explorer 8.0 and higher or Firefox 3.6 and higher.
iPhone customers must accept cookies to log into BGE.com and view the Manage My Account link. The default cookie setting on your iPhone is set to "Never" accept cookies. To enable cookies on your device, from the Home screen choose Settings > Safari, then tap "Accept Cookies" and choose "Always". To learn more about accepting cookies, refer to your owner's manual for your iPhone.
There are three thermostat menu options within PeakRewards Online Access:
PeakRewards Online Access allows you to schedule your thermostat settings per device. If you are participating in the PeakRewards program with two or more thermostats, each thermostat will be listed in the PeakRewards Online Access portal on the left side of the screen. From there, you can adjust thermostat settings for each device.
No — you must schedule the settings for each thermostat separately.
The temperature values represent current nationally recommended thermostat settings created by ENERGY STAR® and the US Department of Energy. These settings are not reflected in your thermostat unless you press the SAVE AND SEND SCHEDULE button on the bottom of the page.
It may take up to 15 minutes for the changes to take effect. When you send the thermostat schedule, a signal is sent out from the PeakRewards Online Access screen. If you don’t see the thermostat changes after fifteen minutes, resend your thermostat schedule again.
BGE is not responsible for the thermostat settings and schedules, which are chosen by the customer. BGE cannot guarantee the information transmitted will change the setting due to atmospheric conditions and/or weak signaling strength in certain areas.
The name of the thermostat was created when the technician installed your thermostat. You can change it by:
Once you are logged onto PeakRewards Online Access, click the thermostat you want to temporarily adjust from the left-hand navigation menu. Under the name of the thermostat, you will see a Manual link. The Manual link will take you to the Temporary Adjustment page, which will allow you to enter a temporary setting. You can simply adjust the temperature by clicking on the up or down arrows or enter the temperature in the temperature box. The new temperature setting will temporarily change your set point until the next scheduled time period. You must check “HOLD” if you want to permanently maintain this new setting.
Yes. To schedule an override, click the Override link in the left-hand navigation menu. This link will direct you to the Override Scheduling page where you can select the override date on the calendar. Once you have chosen your date, click “APPLY”. Be sure the date you choose is correct, once you click apply you will not be able to change the date. As long as you haven’t exceeded your override limit, your request will be accepted. For research purposes only, the system will ask you to explain the reason for requesting the override. Your response to this section allows BGE to determine the key reasons for requesting overrides, which will help BGE continue to improve the program. You are entitled to schedule the following overrides for non-emergency cycling events only:
Air conditioner thermostat(s) and switch(es):
Water heater switch(es):
You cannot change your cycling level, override your participation, or exit the program during an emergency event or during the transition out of an emergency event. You will be cycled up to your chosen cycling level — 50%, 75% or 100%.
During an emergency event, and the remainder of the day when this event is called, the following tools will be temporarily unavailable via PeakRewards Online Access:
Yes. The Cycling History link found on the left-hand navigation menu directs you to a view of your complete cycling history. To view a listing of when your central air conditioning experienced a cycle, click on the VIEW COMPLETE HISTORY button. Your history will be displayed for each thermostat or switch, giving you the start date and end date, cycling duration or how long the cycle lasted. By clicking the view function’s drop down menu on the right, you can isolate the listing to feature cycling history by day, week, year or all cycling events.
Please note, upon completion of an event, there will be a transition time before the system is returned to normal. Normal unit operations should resume within 30 minutes after the completion of a cycling event.
Currently, a one-way communication exists between the PeakRewards Online Access portal and the thermostat where any changes sent online are received by the thermostat but any changes made on the thermostat directly are not updated online.
BGE is evaluating the feasibility of providing two-way communication between the thermostat and PeakRewards Online Access for the future.
You can schedule two consecutive periods (Wake, Leave, Return, and Sleep) with the same temperature.
There is a Hints and Tips link on the Thermostat Schedule page that provides detailed instructions on how to set a thermostat schedule.
No — during an emergency event, and the remainder of the day when this event is called, the following tools will be temporarily unavailable via PeakRewards Online Access:
The HOLD checkmark allows you to maintain the thermostat setting until you manually cancel this setting. To cancel this permanent setting, either press the RESTORE button from the online portal, or the CANCEL key on your thermostat. Once you cancel this setting, the thermostat follows your normal cooling and heating schedule settings.
A Permanent Hold allows you to maintain the thermostat at one temperature setting until you manually cancel the Permanent Hold. A Temporary Hold allows you to maintain the thermostat at one temperature setting until the next scheduled period (Wake, Leave, Return, or Sleep). Once the next scheduled period arrives, the thermostat resumes its normal thermostat schedule.
The EDIT button allows you to change the thermostat online label. Simply type in the name you want to call your thermostat and press the SAVE button.
It may take up to 15 minutes for the changes to take effect. When you send the thermostat schedule, a signal is sent out from the PeakRewards Online Access screen. If you don’t see the thermostat changes after fifteen minutes, resend your thermostat schedule again.
BGE is not responsible for the thermostat settings and schedules, which are chosen by the customer.
BGE cannot guarantee the information transmitted will change the setting due to atmospheric conditions and/or weak signaling strength in certain areas.
Yes, PeakRewards Online Access can be used anywhere with access to a web browser — even on your smart phone. You can manage your thermostat settings directly by visiting: www.BGE.com/myaccount. Once you log onto the site, you can set and save thermostat schedules as well as temporarily adjust your thermostat settings. Although the Online Access tool has been optimized for user experience, the display of this feature can vary depending on the smart phone and browser.
Currently, we do not have a smart phone app available for download. However, you can manage your PeakRewards thermostat settings directly from your smart phone by visiting: www.BGE.com/myaccount. You should bookmark this site and save the link on your smart phone for future use. Although the Online Access tool has been optimized for user experience, the display of this feature can vary depending on the smart phone and browser.
No. Under no circumstance will BGE alter any thermostat settings without your express authorization.
On the PeakRewards Online Access home page, you will see a message, like the following, displayed for example:
Residential A/C Thermostat 75% Cycling
Currently Cycling
Additionally, you will see the word “SAVINGS” displayed in the thermostat window during a BGE cycling event. “SAVINGS” will disappear from your thermostat after the cycling event is over.
A red light will be displayed on the outdoor switch during the activation of a BGE cycling event, indicating that the outdoor switch is adjusting compressor activity. A green light will indicate that the outdoor switch has power and is connected to the network but is not currently affecting compressor activity.
All customers are cycled up to 50% during non-emergency events and you may choose to override participation during this type of event up to two times per summer. You cannot change your cycling level, override your participation, or exit the program during an emergency event or during the transition out of an emergency event. You will be cycled up to your chosen cycling level — 50%, 75% or 100%.
PeakRewards Online Access is only compatible with Internet Explorer 8.0 and higher or Firefox 3.6 and higher.
On the day of a cycling event, you may notice multiple cycling events recorded on your cycling history on PeakRewards Online Access as a result of how the PeakRewards system operates during events. To view the current status of a cycling event, please visit the Online Access homepage.
The PeakRewards device installed in your home is a programmable thermostat used by the PeakRewards Air Conditioning program to help reduce peak demand for electricity. The thermostat also has other features, including online programming, advanced scheduling, touch screen programming, and other state-of-the-art features.
During periods of high electricity use in the Mid-Atlantic region, typically during the hot summer months, a radio signal may be sent to the programmable thermostat to interrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor on your air conditioner or electric heat pump for a period of time each hour. This is called cycling (for more information on cycling, click here). Only electricity to the compressor is interrupted. The compressor is what produces cool air. Cycling reduces the peak demand for electricity, helping to maintain reliable service and lower the cost of electricity.
Emergency Events — During an emergency event, regional demand for electricity is close to surpassing regional supply, and BGE is required by PJM to activate its’ PeakRewards program. This type of event is usually called to avoid potential brownouts and rolling blackouts area-wide. You cannot change your cycling level, override your participation, or exit the program during an emergency event or during the transition out of an emergency event. You will be cycled up to your chosen cycling level — 50%, 75% or 100%.
Non-Emergency Events — On occasion, BGE may activate its PeakRewards program when regional demand is not very close to surpassing regional supply, but the wholesale price of electricity is very high. These events may occur on a localized level restricted to certain areas within the BGE territory or they may occur across the entire BGE territory. Activating the PeakRewards program during these non-emergency events puts downward pressure on energy prices and increases the reliability of the distribution system. You may choose to override participation during this type of event up to two times per summer. For non-emergency events, participants will be cycled up to 50%.
As a “new move in” customer, your PeakRewards participating level is set at 50% cycling. At 50% cycling, your central air conditioner or electric heat pump will produce cool air for half its normal running time during a cycling event. You will receive $50 in annual bill credits — $12.50 for each of the 4 summer months, June – September. A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits, if they continue to participate in the program, but will not receive the first-year matching bonus. The first-year matching bonus credits are only intended for the initial customer enrollment and device installation.
If you have additional questions about the program, please contact the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
The PeakRewards outdoor switch installed at your home and connected to the air conditioning or electric heat pump unit helps reduce peak demand for electricity. During periods of high electricity use in the Mid-Atlantic region, typically during the hot summer months, a radio signal may be sent to the outdoor switch to interrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor on your air conditioner or electric heat pump for a period of time each hour. This is called cycling (for more information on cycling, click here). Only electricity to the compressor is interrupted. The compressor is what produces cool air. Cycling reduces the peak demand for electricity, helping to maintain reliable service and lower the cost of electricity. For participating in the PeakRewards program, you will receive BGE bill credits of up to $100 each year. If you have additional questions about the program, please contact the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits for their participation in the program. As a “move in” customer, you are enrolled at the 50% cycling level, the lowest level of credits and cycling (for more information on cycling, click here). However, “move in” customers are not eligible to receive the first-year bonus credits since the bonus is intended for the initial enrollment and installation of a device at a customer’s home.
PeakRewards program benefits include ongoing bill credits, choice of cycling level, online access to your device, and the opportunity to choose between an outdoor switch and a programmable thermostat. If you would like to upgrade a switch to the PeakRewards programmable thermostat, confirm your cycling level or choose a higher cycling level, please contact the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
After you receive your first BGE bill in your new home, call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to find out how you can replace the outdoor switch for the PeakRewards programmable thermostat at no out-of-pocket cost to you. The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
PeakRewards bill credits are monthly credits applied to your BGE bill in exchange for allowing BGE to cycle your air conditioner during periods of peak demand. The bill credits are applied during the months of June, July, August, and September. PeakRewards bill credits will be applied to a participating customer’s bill for however long they are enrolled in the program.
As a “move in” customer, your cycling level is automatically set at 50%, the lowest level of credits and cycling. At the 50% cycling level, you will receive a credit of $12.50 on your June – September BGE bills. However, “move-in” customers are not eligible to receive the first-year bonus credits since the bonus is intended for the initial enrollment and installation of a device at a customer’s home. You can call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to increase your cycling level at any time.
Alternatively, since the program is voluntary, if you decide you do not want to participate, please contact the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to be removed from the program. Keep in mind that summer credits will no longer be applied to your bill. The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
You can also find more information on bill credits under the PeakRewards A/C Program Benefits FAQ’s.
Yes. When you change your BGE account to a new name, our system views the account as a –move-in— customer. Therefore, the new account is not eligible to receive the first-year matching bonus credits and the cycling level will automatically be set to 50%. Please contact the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to inform them of the account change. BGE will restore your bonuses, if applicable, and cycling preferences as soon as possible. The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
You can call PeakRewards customer hotline 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to have your cycling level changed. The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday. Once you change your cycling level, your bill credits will be adjusted accordingly for the next bill cycle.
You should typically be able to view your cycling level change on your PeakRewards Online Access account within 24–48 hours, but changes may take up to five business days in certain circumstances.
The PeakRewards Multifamily program gives tenants/renters of community properties summer credits on their BGE bill, *a matching first-year bonus, cycling choices, and a professionally installed Honeywell programmable thermostat. The apartment unit must have central air conditioning in good working order and consent from the property owner (or manager) is required in order to participate in the program.
* A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will be defaulted to a 50% cycling level. A new move-in customer will receive ongoing bill credits, if they continue to participate in the program, but will not receive the first-year matching bonus. The first-year matching bonus credits are only intended for the initial customer enrollment and device installation.
The apartment unit must have central air conditioning in good working order and consent from the property owner (or manager) is required in order to participate in the program. Once you have obtained permission, call the PeakRewards customer hotline: 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to schedule an installation, select your cycling level (50%, 75% or 100%), and start receiving your summer bill credits ($50, $75 or $100 each summer). If you are the first* tenant in the unit with the device installed, you will be eligible for the first-year signing bonus (a matching credit of $50, $75 or $100).
Property managers are encouraged to contact our Multifamily team at 410.682.8226 to learn more about the program and how their entire community can benefit by participating.
*All tenants thereafter are not eligible to receive the first-year signing bonus. Tenants can also choose to opt-out of the program while keeping the thermostat; however, the summer bill credits will no longer be applied.
Call our PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to select your cycling level of 50%, 75% or 100%. Residents choosing not to participate in the program will keep the thermostat but will not be cycled and will be shown as being cycled at 0% and will not receive summer bill credits. Residents choosing to participate in the program can select 50%, 75% or 100% cycling and start receiving summer bill credits ($50, $75 or $100 each summer). If you are the first tenant in the unit with the device installed, you may be eligible for the first-year signing bonus (a matching credit of $50, $75 or $100):
*A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits for their participation in the program. As a “move-in” customer, you are currently enrolled at the 50% cycling level, the lowest level of credits and cycling. However, “move-in” customers are not eligible to receive the first-year bonus credits since the bonus is intended for the initial enrollment and installation of a device at a customer’s home.
** Credits are subject to change in future years. Terms and Conditions.
All customers are cycled up to 50% during non-emergency events and you may choose to override participation during this type of event up to two times per summer. You cannot change your cycling level, override your participation, or exit the program during an emergency event or during the transition out of an emergency event. You will be cycled up to your chosen cycling level — 50%, 75% or 100%.
The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
Property owners or managers will receive:
Landlords and property owners/managers can enroll their rental units in the program by calling the PeakRewards Multifamily team at 410.682.8226. The Multifamily team will schedule an on-site community meeting and thermostat installations. Once the thermostats are installed, the team will support you in promoting the money-saving benefits of PeakRewards at your property.
BGE offers a number of discounts through the BGE Smart Energy Savers Program®. To learn more, click here.
As a landlord property owner/manager there are a number of benefits to participating in the program. However, ACN accounts are not eligible to receive the PeakRewards credits when the bill reverts back into the landlord’s name upon tenant move-out. This policy was implemented to avoid paying credits on vacant homes. The PeakRewards payment is for active residential accounts in the program.
For BGE’s rental property policy for PeakRewards accounts, click here.
For more information on ACN accounts, click here.
Visit our Program Resources page to view a Quick Reference Guide for the PeakRewards program and the thermostat operation manual.
Yes, you can participate in both programs. PeakRewards and Budget Billing are separate programs and BGE customers may participate in both. Budget Billing lets you spread out your annual BGE bills by spreading them evenly throughout the year. PeakRewards gives you bill credits on your summer BGE bills, after the budget billing amount is applied.
Customers can determine an event was activated by viewing the word “SAVINGS” on their thermostat or by the red light on their outdoor switch. Customers can also log onto their PeakRewards Online Access account to view their status. You can sign up for non-emergency and emergency event notifications and receive emails during events and at their conclusion. To sign up, call 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or visit BGESavings.com/peaknotifications.
The PeakRewards Trade Ally program is an initiative that seeks to partner with Maryland-licensed HVAC contractors who service BGE residential customers. The program offers eligible HVAC contractors incentives for PeakRewards program leads, device removals and reconnecting a switch.
Interested HVAC contractors should first complete the participation agreement and return via email to: PeakRewardsHVAC@honeywell.com, fax to: 410.574.4736, or mail to:
PeakRewards Trade Ally Program, 6935 Golden Ring Road, Baltimore MD 21237.
Once the agreement is completed, HVAC contractors will receive a vendor participation code, confirmation email and an invitation to an orientation session. Orientation sessions are held monthly to provide an overview of the PeakRewards A/C program, device installation, referral credit process and Trade Ally opportunities.
HVAC contractors are encouraged to call the PeakRewards Trade Ally hotline: 410.682.8268 or email: PeakRewardsHVAC@honeywell.com with any questions about the program.
In order to qualify for the incentives, HVAC contractors must complete aTrade Ally Referral Application and submit the referral form via email to: PeakRewardsHVAC@honeywell.com or fax 410.574.4736. All returned referral forms must be dated and require a BGE customer signature. Participating HVAC contractors will be paid the appropriate incentive(s) 30 days after a successful BGE inspection.
No. The PeakRewards program is available to BGE residential customers only.
Qualified Trade Ally referral leads include:
Trade Allies can also receive credits for notification of the disconnection of a PeakRewards device and reconnection of a PeakRewards device.
Non-qualified Trade Ally leads include:
Legacy Rider 5 customers - this group will automatically be upgraded to PeakRewards. BGE customers who reside in a multifamily complex or one owned by a commercial management company. Visit our multifamily program page for more information.
To lessen your wait time, BGE has reduced what is referred to as the “cold load pickup” to five (5) minutes. This is a substantial improvement over our old switches, which required a 15-minute timeout.
Cycling can indirectly affect appliance load. During the period immediately following the end of the cycling period, there may be a noticeable difference between the internal temperature of the house and the thermostat set point compared to what it would have been without cycling. This will cause greater use of the equipment during this period. This is often referred to as “payback” or “rebound”.
Although there will be slightly more energy used subsequent to the event ending, it should not exceed the amount of energy saved during the event itself. During the summer of 2007, BGE conducted a pilot of demand response technology to confirm the energy impact of cycling. The study showed that an average of 46% of the energy reduced during an event is regained after the event concludes, while 56% of the energy reduced during an event is not. Therefore, according to the study, the payback of a cycling event does not exceed the kWh benefits attained during the event.
Keep in mind that PeakRewards is a program designed to reduce peak electric demand. Although there are energy savings with cycling, the greatest benefit to PeakRewards is the peak load demand reductions that improve reliability and reduce the “strain” on the transmission and distribution system.
Certain heat pumps with fossil fuel backup
Damper systems
Carrier Infinity Systems (with communicating thermostat) — LCR 4700 Compatible
Certain Carrier Edge Thermostats - LCR 4700 Compatible
The PeakRewards outdoor switch is incompatible with 208 VAC Source systems.
You should reprogram the thermostat as you do the Honeywell VisionPRO. For technical questions, call the Trade Ally dedicated line 410.682.8268.
Use the BGE Trade Ally Referral form with customer signature and email PeakRewardsHVAC@honeywell.com or fax 410.574.4736 to receive $10 disconnect notification fee.
DO NOT REINSTALL A SWITCH AT ANY OTHER ADDRESS.
Use the BGE Trade Ally Referral form with customer signature and email PeakRewardsHVAC@Honeywell.com or fax 410.574.4736 to receive $10 disconnect notification fee.
If you are not a PeakRewards Trade Ally, please call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 410-682-8268 or 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) and let them know that you have a device to be picked up.
The thermostat should be left with the homeowner to be picked up by a BGE representative.
If you are a PeakRewards Trade Ally, to ensure the customer’s credits continue, please reconnect the LCR 4700.
If the customer has elected to be removed from the program, use the BGE Trade Ally Referral form with the customer signature and email PeakRewardsHVAC@Honeywell.com or fax 410.574.4736 to receive $10 for disconnect notification.
If you are not a PeakRewards Trade Ally, please call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 410.682.8268 or 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) and let them know that you have a switch to be picked up.
The switch can be placed in proximity to the outdoor unit to be picked up by a BGE representative.
DO NOT REINSTALL A SWITCH AT ANY OTHER ADDRESS.
If the customer wants to be in the program, please reconnect the Honeywell UtilityPRO PeakRewards thermostat to ensure the customer’s bill credits continue.
If the customer has elected to be removed from the program, use the BGE Trade Ally Referral form with the customer signature and email PeakRewardsHVAC@Honeywell.com or fax 410.574.4736 to receive $10 for disconnect notification.
If you are not a PeakRewards Trade Ally, please call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 410.682.8268 or 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) and let them know that you have a device to be picked up.
The thermostat should be left with the homeowner to be picked up by a BGE representative.
To minimize impact to your technicians, you should ask the customer if they are a PeakRewards participant. If so, please advise your customer that there may be a BGE cycling event underway, which could last for several hours. To confirm that a cycling event is underway, customers can call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or check online if they are signed up for Online Access. If the customer has a thermostat, they will know that they are being cycled when they see the word “SAVINGS” appear within the upper portion of the display. Switch customers will know that they are being cycled if they see a red light showing on their outdoor switch.
When an emergency or non-emergency event is initiated, an email notification to all PeakRewards Trade Allies will be sent within 15 minutes of the onset of the event. This email will provide basic cycling tips that can be referenced to answer customer concerns and questions. To update or confirm the email address the notice will be sent to, please contact the PeakRewards team at 410.682.8268 or email PeakRewardsHVAC@Honeywell.com.
Call the PeakRewards Trade Ally team at 410.682.8268 or email PeakRewardsHVAC@Honeywell.com to confirm your email address is included in the distribution list.
The Honeywell UtilityPRO is designed to maintain more accurate temperatures than the non-digital thermostats that may have been removed. The Honeywell UtilityPRO is designed to maintain comfort within one degree of the set-point.
Setup is the same as on a Honeywell VisionPRO.
Function 280 in installer setup
When the Honeywell UtilityPRO thermostat has a blank screen, it is usually indicative of an issue with the supply of 24 volts to the thermostat. This condition is often related to an open high limit in a gas or oil furnace, which will usually reset after a few minutes, at which time the display should return. Any power interruption to the heating system will also result in a blank display.
Each customer is entitled to override two non-emergency events each summer by calling the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or using Online Access. During emergency events, customers cannot override and will be cycled or interrupted up to their chosen level.
No, the Honeywell UtilityPRO thermostat only has a coin cell battery that saves the clock and schedule settings in the event of a power outage.
The Legacy Energy Saver Switch program is being phased out and replaced with the new PeakRewards Air Conditioning A/C program. The new program will give you higher bill credits and matching bonus—you can get up to $200 in your first year of participation. If you do not upgrade and have a PeakRewards device installed by May 31, 2012 you will no longer receive monthly summer bill credits from the BGE Energy Saver Switch program.
Yes, in order to upgrade, you can call the PeakRewards customer service center at: 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or sign up at BGESmartEnergy.com/PeakRewards. If you do not upgrade and have a PeakRewards device installed by May 31, 2012 you will no longer receive monthly summer bill credits from the BGE Energy Saver Switch program.
Yes, you can choose the programmable thermostat, which has four daily settings to allow for different temperature settings throughout the day. Using a programmable thermostat can help you save up to 15% each year in energy costs versus a non-programmable thermostat. You will also have the ability to program your thermostat schedules and overrides remotely through the internet. You’ll need to be home for us to install the programmable thermostat, but it should take no more than an hour.
Yes, once you upgrade you can get up to $200 in summer credits during your first year of participation. For more information, call the PeakRewards customer hotline at: 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or visit BGESmartEnergy.com/PeakRewards.
* In order to use PeakRewards Online Access, you must be a BGE residential customer and enrolled in PeakRewards.
| Participation Level | First Year Bonus Per Month** |
Summer Credits*** Per Month: June, July, August, September |
First Year Total (Credits Plus Bonus) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50% | $12.50 | $12.50 / month | $100 |
| 75% | $18.75 | $18.75 / month | $150 |
| 100% | $25.00 | $25.00 / month | $200 |
** A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits, if they continue to participate in the program, but will not receive the first-year matching bonus. The first-year matching bonus credits are only intended for the initial customer enrollment and device installation.
*** Credits subject to change in future years.
During periods of high electricity use in the Mid-Atlantic region, typically during the summer months, a radio signal may be sent to the programmable thermostat or outdoor switch to interrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor on your air conditioner or electric heat pump for a period of time each hour. This is called cycling. Cycling reduces the peak demand for electricity, helping to maintain reliable service and keep down the cost of electricity.
*A customer moving into a home with an existing PeakRewards device will receive ongoing bill credits for their participation in the program. As a “move-in” customer, you are currently enrolled at the 50% cycling level, the lowest level of credits and cycling. However, “move-in” customers are not eligible to receive the first-year bonus credits since the bonus is intended for the initial enrollment and installation of a device at a customer’s home.
** Credits are subject to change in future years. Terms and Conditions.
Emergency
During an emergency event, regional demand for electricity is close to surpassing regional supply, and BGE is required by the regional grid manager, PJM, to activate its’ PeakRewards program. This type of event is usually called to avoid potential brownouts and rolling blackouts area-wide. You cannot override your program participation during an emergency event, nor during the transition period out of an emergency event, and you will be cycled up to your chosen cycling level — 50%, 75% or 100%.
Non-Emergency
On occasion, BGE may activate its PeakRewards program when regional demand is not very close to surpassing regional supply, but the wholesale price of electricity is very high. These events may occur on a localized level restricted to certain areas within the BGE territory or they may occur across the entire BGE territory. Activating the PeakRewards program during these non-emergency events puts downward pressure on energy prices and increases the reliability of the distribution system. You may choose to override participation during this type of event up to two times per summer. For non-emergency events, participants will be cycled up to 50%.
Electricity usage fluctuates constantly due to weather conditions, commercial and industrial business hours, and residential electric usage. During summer months, there is greater demand for electricity to cool homes and businesses. “Peak electric demand” refers to the point of highest electricity use over a certain period of time.
The PeakRewards thermostat has a built-in radio receiver to help BGE reduce electricity demand during periods of peak electricity use.
As a PeakRewards participant, you will have online access to your thermostat or switch 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Your thermostat or switch will be linked to your BGE.com account. You will be able to access PeakRewards Online by logging onto bge.com/myaccount and entering your BGE User ID and Password to sign in. Visit www.BGEaccess.com for more information on Online Access.
Participation in PeakRewards is one way we can work together to help protect our environment and reduce our carbon footprint by:
Reducing the need for additional power generation plants.
Reducing the emissions from current and future power plants.
Reducing the need for additional electric delivery infrastructure such as electric transmission and distribution lines.
Easing the burden on Maryland's electricity delivery system as our state's electricity demands continue to grow.
Supporting the state's EmPOWER Maryland goals.
MORE QUESTIONS?
If you have any other questions about PeakRewards, visit BGESmartEnergy.com/PeakRewards or call 1.888.309.PEAK (7325).
Effective June 1, 2009, the bill credits for the Energy Saver Water Heater Switch program were reduced to $3.50 each month from the $5 bill credit you previously received. All customers who receive bill credits for the Energy Saver Water Heater Switch program received a letter and notification of this change.
The Energy Saver Water Heater Switch program is being phased out and replaced with the new PeakRewards Water Heater program. The PeakRewards Water Heater program is now available in certain areas. Contact the PeakRewards customer hotline for more information at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). The new program will give you higher bill credits of $6.25 per month paid on your November, December, January and February bills, for a total of $25 each year you participate. Only BGE customers who have an electric water heater are eligible for the program. Tankless and gas water heaters are not eligible.
The PeakRewards Electric Water Heater program offers:
More Savings — when you participate in the PeakRewards Electric Water Heater program, you will receive combined credits and bonus totaling $50 in your first year. Bill credits of $6.25 for four months [$25] and matching bonus $6.25 for four months [$25] will be reflected in your November, December, January and February bills. You will continue to receive $25 a year for each year that you participate.
Additional options — you can override up to four non-emergency events each year – two overrides from June–September and two from October–May.
Online Access — you can access your electric water heater switch 24/7 with PeakRewards Online Access. This new feature will allow you to view your cycling history and override non-emergency cycling events from anywhere you have access to a web browser.
The PeakRewards Electric Water Heater program is now available in certain areas. Contact the PeakRewards customer hotline for more information at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325).
General maintenance should not require a call to BGE. However, you should inform the contractor that a BGE thermostat, outdoor switch or electric water heater switch is installed. If a contractor needs to disconnect the thermostat or switch for any maintenance or system replacement work, you should call the PeakRewards hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for immediate assistance. Tampering with or removal of the PeakRewards device could jeopardize bill credits.
If you notice a slight rise in the indoor temperature during the cooling season, you should check the thermostat message area for the word “SAVINGS,” or the switch to see if the red light is on before calling a contractor to avoid an unnecessary service call. This will advise them that BGE is temporarily cycling your air conditioner. After the cycling event is over, the thermostat will return to normal operation. Likewise, if you notice that your supply of hot water has been reduced; first check your electric water heater switch for a red light to see if your unit is being cycled.
Most central air conditioning and electric heat pump units work with the PeakRewards technology. However, some systems are not currently compatible with PeakRewards thermostats and, on occasion, older or poorly maintained systems may not be compatible as well. In most cases, where a PeakRewards thermostat cannot be installed, a PeakRewards outdoor switch can be installed so that you may participate in the program.
Most electric water heaters, with a capacity of 30 gallons or more, are compatible with PeakRewards technology. Gas, tankless and some solar hot water heater systems are not compatible with the electric water heater switch.
A PeakRewards technician can evaluate your system to determine compatibility. If you have additional questions about system compatibility or would like to schedule an appointment, please call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
If you have more than one central air conditioner, electric water heater or electric heat pump unit, you can have multiple devices (thermostat and/or switches) installed. When there is an installation of two or more A/C devices at an installation appointment, all devices must be set at the same cycling level (50%, 75%, and 100%) at the time of installation. Once the device is installed, you can immediately call the PeakRewards hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to request different cycling levels for each A/C device. Your bill credit and matching bonus will be multiplied by the number of devices installed and cycling option selected. Note: Water heater switches are always cycled at the 100% level, regardless of event type (emergency or non-emergency).
You can help to avoid unnecessary use of auxiliary heat by setting the thermostat and leaving it alone. The PeakRewards programmable thermostat is specifically designed for heat pumps, which will allow you to regulate the temperature in your home more efficiently. A programmable thermostat not designed for heat pump application will cause the auxiliary heat to come on prematurely after a nighttime setback. Auxiliary heat can offset any savings realized during the setback period. A heat pump programmable thermostat allows for a greater recovery time, allowing the heat pump to gradually recover the desired temperature.
For helpful electric heat pump maintenance tips, click here
For more information on electric heat pumps, click here
PeakRewards installers are professionally trained to perform quality installation. While you should not experience any problems, if you do, you can call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for immediate assistance. The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday
A customer can call PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to be removed from the program. However, credits will no longer be applied to your BGE bill. The PeakRewards customer hotline is available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.
Please call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday–Friday; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, Saturday.