EmPOWER UTI-BGE-00376 Air Conditioning Program User Guide

: June 16, 2024
: Empower

Table of Contents

EmPOWER UTI-BGE-00376 Air Conditioning Program
Product Usage Instructions
Air Conditioning Program
What You Can Expect
Quick Tips for Thermostat Settings
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

EmPOWER UTI-BGE-00376 Air Conditioning Program

EmPOWER-UTI-BGE-00376-Air-Conditioning-Program-product

Specifications

Product Name: PeakRewardsSM Thermostat
Manufacturer: BGE (Baltimore Gas and Electric Company)
Website: BGESAVINGS.COM
Customer Hotline: 1.888.309.PEAK (7325)

Product Usage Instructions

Opting Out
You have the option to opt out of up to two Energy Savings Days. To schedule these overrides, you can either call the PeakRewardsSM customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or use the Online Access portal. However, please note that you cannot opt out of emergency events.

Peak Demand
By participating in PeakRewardsSM, you help reduce high electricity demand by allowing BGE to cycle your air conditioning during periods of peak demand. This helps maintain reliable service and keeps electricity costs down for everyone.

Event Ends – Recap
Your air conditioning unit will resume normal operation after the cycling event ends.

Quick Tips for Thermostat Settings

Setting Current Time
If the time on your thermostat needs to be reset, it indicates that the coin cell (battery) needs replacement. To replace the battery, follow these steps:

Locate the battery holder on the left side of the thermostat.
Insert a small screwdriver into the holder and pry it out.
Replace the old battery with a new one.
Manually set the current time display on the thermostat.

Please note that battery replacement is the customer’s responsibility.

Programming a Temporary Change
To temporarily change a temperature setting until the next programmed time period begins, follow these steps:

Access the thermostat’s programming menu.
Select the temporary change option.
Adjust the desired temperature for the temporary period.
Save the changes.

Programming a Permanent Temperature Setting
If you want to hold a specific temperature while you are on vacation or away for extended periods of time, use the following steps:

Access the thermostat’s programming menu.
Select the permanent temperature setting option.
Set the desired temperature.
Save the changes.

Using Fan Control
To control the fan, press the FAN button on the thermostat and choose one of the following options:

Auto: The fan will automatically turn on and off with the cooling or heating system.
On: The fan will continuously run.
Circulate: The fan will cycle on for 15 minutes every hour, regardless of cooling or heating.

FAQ

Q: How can I learn more about PeakRewardsSM?
A: Visit the website BGESAVINGS.COM or call 1.888.309.PEAK (7325).
Q: Where can I find the Terms & Conditions for the PeakRewardsSM program?
A: You can review the updated Terms & Conditions at BGEsavings.com/Resources.
Q: What are EmPOWER Maryland programs?
A: EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your energy bill. They aim to help you reduce energy consumption and save money. To learn more and participate, visit BGESmartEnergy.com.

Air Conditioning Program

Thermostat Quick Reference Guide

Welcome to PeakRewardsSM!

Your participation in this money- and energy-saving program is important to help reduce summer demand for electricity in Maryland. As a PeakRewardsSM participant, you allow BGE to control the PeakRewardsSM thermostat and to “cycle” your air conditioning off and on during periods of summer peak electric demand. Cycling your air conditioner (A/C) helps to keep down the overall cost of electricity and maintain reliable service when demand for electricity is high, which helps all BGE customers avoid power interruptions. In exchange for participation, PeakRewardsSM participants receive bill credits from June through September.
This Quick Reference Guide should help answer many of your questions about your participation in the program and the operation of your PeakRewardsSM thermostat.
For more information, visit BGESAVINGS.COM or call 1.888.309.PEAK (7325).

Your Benefi ts and Options
Cycling Choices and Benefi ts
Select the cycling level that fi ts your lifestyle; choose from 50%, 75%, or 100%. The higher the level you choose, the greater
the bill credits you will receive. As an added thank you, you will receive matching bonus credits for the fi rst year you are enrolled.* Visit BGESAVINGS.COM/Programs/AC for more information on how to choose the cycling level that’s right for you. If you are participating as part of the multifamily program, you were automatically enrolled at 50%, however you may choose a greater cycling level and earn greater bill credits.

Opt-Outs
You may opt out of up to two Energy Savings Days. You may schedule these overrides in advance or on the day of an
event by calling the PeakRewardsSM customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or via Online Access. If an Energy Savings Day becomes an emergency event, your device will cycle to your chosen participation level. You are not able to opt out of emergency events.

“Move-in” customers are not eligible to receive the fi rst-year bonus credits, since the bonus is intended for the initial enrollment and installation of a device at a customer’s home.

What You Can Expect

“Peak” Demand
When you enroll in PeakRewardsSM, you agree to help ease high electricity demand by allowing BGE to “cycle” your air conditioning to reduce the amount of electricity used during periods of “peak” demand. This allows BGE to help maintain reliable service while keeping down the cost of electricity for everyone.

Cycling
Cycling events will typically occur during the summer months of June through September but can happen during other months throughout the year. If there is a significant increase in peak energy demand, your PeakRewardsSM device will receive a signal to cycle your air conditioning. Cycling helps maintain reliable service while keeping down the cost of electricity for everyone. On Energy Savings Days, your device will receive a signal to cycle up to 50%. If there is a risk that energy demand will surpass supply, your device may receive an emergency signal to cycle up to your chosen cycling participation level (50%, 75% or 100%).
How Can I Tell a Cycling Event Is Taking Place?
The PeakRewardsSM device installed at your home will indicate when a cycling event is taking place. If you have a PeakRewardsSM thermostat, the word “SAVINGS” will appear at the top of the thermostat screen for the duration of the event and up to an hour after your device returns to normal operation. You can also sign up to receive text notifications at the start and end of every cycling event — visit BGESAVINGS.COM/PeakNotifications. Participants with email addresses on file will automatically receive
Event Notifications.

Event Ends — Recap
Your A/C unit should resume normal operation after the cycling event has ended. By participating in

PeakRewardsSM, you are helping to:

Ease the burden on our electric grid and reduce the need for additional power generation
Protect our environment and reduce our carbon footprint by lowering emissions associated with additional power generation
Support EmPOWER Maryland goals

Cycling Event Frequency & Duration
Cycling typically occurs Monday-Friday between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. but 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 need for BGE to reduce electric demand. BGE is unable to predict the number of times it will cycle air conditioners each year, nor maximum duration. If an emergency event is called, generally it will last until the situation is averted. Additionally, even after the emergency event ends, there will be a transition period until full operation of your unit is restored. Please make sure that your cycling level still fits the needs of your family in advance of cycling season.

Stay Connected and Informed
Keep cool and stay informed about the cycling events that may affect your air conditioning.

Sign up to receive text notifications for every cycling event at BGESAVINGS.COM/PeakNotifications. Participants with email addresses on file will automatically receive Event Notifications.
Bookmark PeakRewardsSM Event Central to confirm when cycling events are taking place, view frequently asked questions, and get tips to stay cool during a cycling event— visit BGESAVINGS.COM/PeakRewardsEvent.
Schedule overrides, adjust your thermostat settings, and view your cycling status and history online at BGESAVINGS.COM/OnlineAccess.
For general inquiries or technical questions about your device, call the PeakRewardsSM customer hotline at: 1.888.309.PEAK (7325).

Quick Tips for Thermostat Settings

Setting Current Time
Should the time on your thermostat need to be reset, this is an indication that the coin cell (battery) needs to be replaced. The battery is located on the left side of the thermostat and can be accessed by inserting a small screwdriver and prying the holder out. To manually set the current time display:

Press CLOCK, then press arrow up or arrow down to adjust the time.
Press DONE to save and exit (or press CANCEL to exit without changing the time).
Battery replacement is the responsibility of the customer.

What Is the Difference Between Temporary and Permanent Setting Changes?
A temporary setting change may be used to make adjustments to the temperature in your home without overriding the programmed heating and cooling schedule. A temporary change will hold a selected temperature until the next scheduled time period, at which time the programmed schedule will resume. A permanent setting change will override the heating and cooling schedule completely until it is cancelled, at which time the programmed schedule will resume. To learn more about how to set a schedule, visit BGESAVINGS.COM/ThermostatManual or call the PeakRewardsSM customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325).

How Do I Program a Temporary Change?
To temporarily change a temperature setting until the next programmed time period begins:

Press arrow up or arrow down to adjust the temperature
Press CANCEL (or SCHED) to return to the programmed temperature.

How Do I Program a Permanent Temperature Setting?
To hold a specific temperature while you are on vacation or away for extended periods of time:

Press arrow up or arrow down to select a temperature, then press HOLD.
Press HOLD again to override the programmed schedule and maintain this temperature.
Upon return, press CANCEL (or SCHED) to reactivate your regular programmed schedule.

How Do I Use My Fan Control?
Press FAN to select one of the following options:

ON : Fan is always on.
AUTO : Fan runs only when the heating or cooling system is on.
CIRC : Fan runs randomly, about 35% of the time, not counting any run time with the heating or cooling system.
After making your selection, press DONE.

What if My Thermostat Is Not Working Properly?
Please call the PeakRewardsSM customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for questions about your thermostat. For all other issues related to your air conditioner, furnace, or heat pump, please call your local air conditioning contractor. If you are participating with your community as part of the multifamily program, contact your maintenance supervisor with issues related to your heating or cooling system.

Have Questions?
Learn more at BGESAVINGS.COM
or call 1.888.309.PEAK (7325)
If you are a resident of a multifamily community participating in PeakRewardsSM, visit BGESAVINGS.COM/Multifamily

Customers who receive PeakRewardsSM bill credits are subject to the Terms & Conditions for the PeakRewardsSM program. Please review the updated Terms & Conditions available at: BGEsavings.com/Resources.
EmPOWER Maryland programs are funded by a charge on your energy bill. EmPOWER programs can help you reduce your energy consumption and save you money. To learn more about EmPOWER and how you can participate, go to BGESmartEnergy.com.