Frequently Asked Questions General Questions How do PeakRewards℠ & Energy Savings Days work together? If you are a PeakRewards Air Conditioning program participant, you are guaranteed to receive your monthly PeakRewards credit (June – September). If you choose to participate on an Energy Savings Day and reduce your electricity usage, you can earn a bill credit of $1.25 for every kilowatt-hour saved compared to your typical usage. If you participate in both, you will receive whichever credit is higher each month.Additionally, your PeakRewards device will be cycled up to 50% on Energy Savings Days — regardless of your chosen cycling level. You are allowed two overrides on Energy Savings Days. However, during emergency cycling events, you will be cycled up to your chosen level (50%, 75% or 100%) and overrides will not be permitted.Learn More Do I need to contact BGE if I'm replacing my unit or having maintenance work done? General maintenance should not require a call to BGE. However, you should inform the contractor that a BGE thermostat or outdoor 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 customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for immediate assistance. Tampering with or removal of the PeakRewards device could jeopardize bill credits. Are all systems compatible with PeakRewards devices? Most central air conditioning and electric heat pump units work with PeakRewards programmable thermostat technology. However, some older or poorly maintained systems may not be compatible. Can I have multiple devices (e.g., thermostats and/or switches)? PeakRewards installers are professionally-trained to perform quality installations. While you should not experience any problems, you can call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for assistance if a problem arises. A PeakRewards technician will inspect the installation of the PeakRewards device but will not perform any other diagnostics or repairs on your unit. For issues not related to the PeakRewards device, please contact your local contractor.NOTE: If you notice a slight rise in the indoor temperature during the cooling season, check your thermostat for the word “SAVINGS” or check 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, your air conditioner should return to normal operation. What should I do if I experience problems with my system after the installation of a device? PeakRewards installers are professionally-trained to perform quality installations. While you should not experience any problems, you can call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for assistance if a problem arises. A PeakRewards technician will inspect the installation of the PeakRewards device but will not perform any other diagnostics or repairs on your unit. For issues not related to the PeakRewards device, please contact your local contractor.NOTE: If you notice a slight rise in the indoor temperature during the cooling season, check your thermostat for the word “SAVINGS” or check 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, your air conditioner should return to normal operation. Likewise, if you notice that your supply of hot water has been reduced, check your electric water heater switch for a red light to see if your unit is being cycled. How can I change my cycling level? As of April 1, 2020, PeakRewards participants can only request a decrease in their cycling level. To have your cycling level changed, call the PeakRewards customer hotline 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (EST). It may take anywhere from 48 hours to one week for your cycling level change to go into effect. 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. I just moved into a house that has a PeakRewards device. What does this mean? As a “move in” customer, you are automatically enrolled in the PeakRewards Air Conditioning program at the 50% cycling level. This means that the existing PeakRewards device (an outdoor switch or programmable thermostat) in your new home will allow you to receive ongoing bill credits for participation in the program.To confirm your cycling level or decrease your cycling level, please contact the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (EST). I changed my BGE account to a new name but did not move to a new location. Will this affect my PeakRewards credits or bonus? Yes. When you change your BGE account to a new name, our system views the account as a new “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) Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (EST) to inform them of the account change. BGE will restore your bonuses (if applicable) and cycling preferences as soon as possible. What is peak electric demand? Electricity demand 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 when it’s hottest outside. “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. When demand is high, BGE will activate the PeakRewards program. Who is paying for the PeakRewards program? PeakRewards and Energy Savings Day bill credits are paid for by all BGE residential customers through the EmPOWER Maryland surcharge that appears on their monthly BGE bill. All customers benefit from these programs whether they participate or not. These programs help keep down overall energy costs, improve electric service reliability, eliminate the need to build additional power plants and reduce power plant emissions. Through BGE’s PeakRewards and Energy Savings Days, BGE is also better able to avoid potential brownouts and blackouts during periods of peak demand. How much is the EmPOWER Maryland surcharge? The “EmPOWER Md. Chg.” is 0.825 cents per kWh or about $7.13 per month for an average residential home that uses 864 kWh per month. This charge accounts for electric energy efficiency, PeakRewards and the bill credits for Energy Savings Days.The average residential gas customer who consumes 56 therms per month will see a monthly gas surcharge (as of January 1, 2020) of $2.53 per month, which reflects an EmPOWER MD surcharge rate of 4.52 cents per therm.The gas/electric surcharge for a combined customer has increased by a combined $1.08 per month from 2019 (for an average home that used 864 kWh per month and 56 therms of gas). The average total surcharge amount for a combined customer is about $115.92 per year.The benefits and costs of the programs change over time and the charge may be updated annually to reflect these changes. How does the PeakRewards program benefit BGE customers who are paying for the program surcharge but not participating in it? 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 also helps improve electricity service reliability to all customers, reduce power plant emissions and decrease the amount of electricity that generation plants need to provide. How can I be removed from PeakRewards? If you wish to opt-out of the program, simply call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (EST). Keep in mind, once you are removed from the program, credits will no longer be applied to your BGE bill and, as of April 1, 2020, you cannot rejoin the program. Since the Water Heater program is closed, do I have to have my device removed? No, the PeakRewards switch installed either near or on your electric water heater will not impact your water heater’s normal operation. Cycling Events What is cycling? During periods of high electricity use in the Mid-Atlantic region, a radio signal may be sent to the programmable thermostat or outdoor air conditioning switch at your home to interrupt the flow of electricity to your air conditioning unit for a period of time each hour. This is called cycling. This allows BGE to help maintain reliable service while keeping down the overall cost of electricity for everyone.Summer cycling events typically occur weekdays, June through September, but can happen during other parts of the year.The actual start time, end time, duration and day of the week of each cycling event will vary, and 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 or electric heat pumps each year, or the maximum duration. Please make sure that your cycling level still fits the needs of your family in advance of the cycling season. What does "cycling level" mean? Your cycling level is the key component of participation in the PeakRewards program. Air Conditioning program participants can choose from three different cycling options, which represent various cycling levels during emergency events. If you have health concerns, are elderly or have pets or children in the home that may be affected by increased temperatures due to a cycling event, we suggest selecting the 50% cycling level or calling the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) to discuss what option is right for you.NOTE: As of April 1, 2020, PeakRewards participants may only request a decrease in their cycling level. Can I override cycling events? PeakRewards participants may not override an emergency event or the transition out of an emergency event. Additionally, participants may not change cycling levels or exit the program during an emergency event or the transition out of the event.If you scheduled an override and subsequently an emergency event is called on the day you scheduled your override, the override will be canceled. When the emergency event ends, BGE will transition all air conditioning program customers to a lower cycling level for a brief period of time to avoid sudden increases in electric demand which may cause reliability problems.PeakRewards participants are allowed two overrides during Energy Savings Days each summer. Overrides for Energy Savings Days may be scheduled by calling the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or via PeakRewards Online Access. What is an emergency cycling event? During an emergency event, regional demand for electricity is close to surpassing regional supply and BGE is required to activate the PeakRewards program. This type of event is usually called to avoid potential brownouts and rolling blackouts. During an emergency event and the transition period after the event, you cannot override your program participation. At these times, Air Conditioning program participants will be cycled up to their chosen cycling level – 50%, 75% or 100%. How does cycling affect me? When you enrolled in the BGE PeakRewards Air Conditioning program, you selected a cycling level (50%, 75% or 100%). This directly relates to the length of cooling time that will be interrupted during an emergency cycling event. However, your air conditioning unit will only be cycled up to the 50% level during an Energy Savings Day event. Please make sure your chosen cycling level fits your lifestyle and comfort. You can request to change your cycling level at any time and this change will typically take effect within 48 hours. However, as of April 1, 2020, PeakRewards participants can only request a decrease in their cycling level. When can I use my overrides? Air Conditioning program participants can use up to two overrides on Energy Savings Days each summer. However, overrides cannot be used during emergency or preseason cycling events. Additionally, if you scheduled an override and an emergency event is called on that same day, your override will be canceled. How often does cycling occur and how long will it last? Summer cycling events will typically occur from June through September. However, cycling events can happen during other parts of the year, including weekends or holidays. Cycling typically occurs Monday – Friday 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 also depend on the need for BGE to reduce electric demand. Summer events generally begin between 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. and could last more than 10 hours 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, or the maximum duration. If an emergency event is called, it will last until the situation is averted. Additionally, there will be a transition period after the emergency event ends 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. After I request a cycling change, how long does it take to go into effect? You should typically be able to view your cycling level change on your PeakRewards Online Access account within 48 hours.NOTE: As of April 1, 2020, PeakRewards participants may only request a decrease in their cycling level or to be completely removed from the program. How will I know if a cycling event is taking place? There are several ways to know if a cycling event is taking place. Air Conditioning program participants will see the word “SAVINGS” at the top of their programmable thermostat screen, a leaf on their ecobee3 lite smart thermostat or a red light on their outdoor air conditioner switch.A cycling event alert banner will also appear on BGEsavings.com. And participants who have signed up for cycling Event Notifications will receive an email or text at the start and end of every PeakRewards cycling event.Cycling status messages such as: “You have not been cycled today”, “Currently cycling” or “You have been cycled today” will be also be displayed on the Online Access welcome page. What can I do if I get uncomfortable during an event? Air Conditioning program participants may opt out of two Energy Savings Days each summer. These are called overrides and they may be scheduled by calling the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) or via PeakRewards Online Access.However, a customer may not override an emergency event or the transition out of an emergency event. Additionally, customers may not change cycling levels or exit the program during an emergency event, preseason cycling event or the transition out of these events. Also, if you scheduled an override and an emergency event is called on the same day, the override will be canceled. When the emergency event ends, BGE will transition all Air Conditioning program participants to a lower cycling level for a brief period of time to avoid sudden increases in electric demand which may cause reliability problems.During emergency and preseason events — and the remainder of the event day — the following Online Access tools will be temporarily unavailable:The “Override” linkThe “Set Thermostat Schedules” featureThe “Temporarily Adjust Settings” featureFor tips on staying comfortable during an emergency event, visit the Event Central page. Is there a limit to the number of hours I can be cycled? No, there is no limit to the number of hours you can be cycled. The length of a cycling event will depend on the need for BGE to reduce peak electric demand to avoid brownouts and blackouts throughout the mid-Atlantic region. BGE is unable to predict the number of times it will cycle air conditioners or electric heat pumps each year. Additionally, the actual start time, end time and duration of each cycling event will vary. Cycling typically occurs Monday – Friday between 12 p.m. and 7 p.m. but may be activated outside that timeframe. Who should I call if my unit is still cycling after an event has ended? Once a cycling event has fully ended, 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.Call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) for assistance if a cycling event has ended and you notice one of the following:The word “SAVINGS” still appears on your programmable thermostat screenA leaf icon is still visible on your ecobee3 lite smart thermostat screenIf there’s a red light on your outdoor air conditioning switchOtherwise, if you believe your unit is not operating effectively, please contact your local HVAC contractor. A key cause of ineffective cooling is when the system overheats due to a dirty air filter or clogged drain lines, or insufficient refrigerant — all of which can be avoided with routine system maintenance. Why is a preseason cycling event happening outside of the normal cycling season? Preseason cycling events are called to test system operations and customer communications ahead of the summer cycling season in June. BGE is activating this cycling event outside of the normal summer months to minimize the impact on PeakRewards participants and to make sure all systems are functioning properly before the summer cycling season. Keep in mind that while cycling events typically occur during the months of June through September, they can happen during other parts of the year. Why is BGE activating a planned emergency cycling event? BGE is required by PJM Interconnection, the Regional Transmission Operator for the Mid-Atlantic region, to activate a planned emergency event during the summer months if an actual Emergency Event is not called to ensure system operation compliance. The planned emergency event will only occur if required to ensure system operations are in compliance with PJM standards. When will the planned emergency event occur? The planned emergency event will likely take place in late-September. To minimize potential customer inconvenience, we anticipate the event will likely take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. How do preseason and planned emergency cycling events affect Air Conditioning program partticipants? PeakRewards Air Conditioning program participants will be cycled up to their chosen cycling level (50%, 75% or 100%) and will not be able to override participation in the preseason or emergency cycling event. If you have a medical or health issue that may impact program participation or require assistance, please call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). Air Conditioning Program What is BGE's PeakRewards Air Conditioning program? The PeakRewards Air Conditioning program is designed by BGE 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.During periods of high electricity use in the Mid-Atlantic region (typically 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. How do I enroll in the PeakRewards Air Conditioning program? As of April 1, 2020, the PeakRewards Air Conditioning program will no longer accept new participants into the program. Why are air conditioning cycling events activated? During the hot summer months (June – September), demand for electricity is often at its highest. By activating a cycling events and reducing the amount of electricity used during these “peak demand” periods, BGE is helping to maintain reliable service while keeping down the cost of electricity for everyone. How will I know if an air conditioning cycling event is currently taking place? If a PeakRewards event is taking place, you will see a banner at the top of this page. You can also sign up to receive email or text* alerts at BGE.com/MyNotifications.The PeakRewards device installed at your residence will also display your cycling status.Programmable Thermostat — The word “SAVINGS” appears across the top of your thermostat screen.Outdoor Air Conditioning Switch — The light on the front of the switch will glow red instead of green.Smart Thermostat — When your thermostat shows the leaf icon, a cycling event is taking place. When the icon is gone, the event is over. How long will it take for me to see my requested cycling level change online? You should be able to view your cycling level change on your PeakRewards Online Access account within 24 – 48 hours. However, changes may take up to five business days in certain circumstances. As of April 1, 2020, PeakRewards participants may only request a decrease in their cycling level. I'm a renter. Am I able to sign up for PeakRewards if my community is not currently participating? As of April 1, 2020, the PeakRewards Air Conditioning program will no longer accept new participants into the program. If I am having problems with my thermostat or air conditioning switch, who do I call? If a problem with your device arises, please reach out to your HVAC technician for repairs. Prior to contacting a technician, you should determine if the air conditioning is off due to cycling by looking at the thermostat or the red light on the outside switch, by checking PeakRewards Online Access or by checking BGE’s Mobile App and viewing your cycling status. For issues not related to the PeakRewards device, please contact your local contractor. If I no longer want to be part of the PeakRewards program, what do I do? 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 and you will not be able to re-enroll in the program again. To opt out of the program, simply call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (EST). Multifamily Program I'm a renter. Am I able to sign up for PeakRewards if my community is not currently participating? As of April 1, 2020, the PeakRewards Air Conditioning program will no longer accept new participants into the program. I am a property owner with Automatic Name Change (ANC) accounts set up for my units. Can I participate in the PeakRewards program? As a landlord property owner/manager there are a number of benefits to participating in the program. However, ANC 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 more information, review BGE’s rental property policy for PeakRewards accounts. What choices does the PeakRewards Multifamily program offer me? The PeakRewards Multifamily program gives tenants of community properties summer credits on their BGE bill, cycling choices and a professionally-installed programmable thermostat. The apartment unit must have central air conditioning in good working order and consent from the property owner/manager in order to participate in the program. When can I expect to see credits appear on my BGE bill? Bill credits will be spread equally over the four-month period (June – September), each year as follows:50% cycling: $12.50/month for a total of $5075% cycling: $18.75/month for a total of $75100% cycling: $25/month for a total of $100Four 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 – 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. Each year after, you will receive credits each month, June through September.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. If I am having problems with my thermostat or air conditioning switch, who do I call? If a problem with your device arises, you can call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325). A PeakRewards technician will be sent out to 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. If I no longer want to be part of the PeakRewards program, what do I do? 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 and you will not be able to re-enroll in the program again. To opt-out of the program, simply call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (EST). Trade Ally Program I'm a Maryland-licensed HVAC contractor. How can I participate in the Trade Ally program? As of April 1, 2020, the PeakRewards Air Conditioning program will no longer accept new BGE customers into the program. However, we still actively seek new licensed contractors to help support the over 300,000 existing PeakRewards customers. Enroll today! Can a Trade Ally receive credit for commercial referrals? No. The PeakRewards program is available to BGE residential customers only. What do I do if I encounter a Honeywell UtilityPro thermostat during a new HVAC system installation? You should reprogram the thermostat as you do the Honeywell VisionPRO. For technical questions, call the Trade Ally hotline at 443.842.4275 or email PeakRewardsHVAC@clearesult.com. A customer asked that I disconnect the LCR 4700 outdoor air conditioning switch. How should I inform BGE? What should I do with the switch? Use the BGE Trade Ally Referral form with customer signature and email it to PeakRewardsHVAC@clearesult.com to receive a $50 disconnect notification fee. Also, call the PeakRewards Trade Ally hotline at 443.842.4275 and let them know that you have a device to be picked up.Leave the switch near the outdoor unit to be picked up by a BGE technician. Do not dispose of it or take it with you. I found a disconnected PeakRewards outdoor air conditioning switch during a recent service call. What should I do? If you are a PeakRewards Trade Ally, please reconnect the switch and submit a BGE Trade Ally Referral form with customer signature to PeakRewardsHVAC@clearesult.com to receive a $50 reconnect notification fee. This will ensure that the customer’s credits continue.If the customer wants to be removed from the PeakRewards program use the BGE Trade Ally Referral form with customer signature and email it to PeakRewardsHVAC@clearesult.com to receive a $50 disconnect notification fee. Also, call the PeakRewards Trade Ally hotline at 443.842.4275 and let them know that you have a device to be picked up. Leave the switch near the outdoor unit to be picked up by a BGE technician. Do not dispose of it or take it with you. I have found a removed Honeywell UtilityPro thermostat during a recent service call. What should I do? If you are a PeakRewards Trade Ally, please reinstall the thermostat and submit a BGE Trade Ally Referral form with customer signature to PeakRewardsHVAC@clearesult.com to receive a $50 reconnect notification fee. This will ensure that the customer’s credits continue. If the customer wants to be removed from PeakRewards, use the BGE Trade Ally Referral form with customer signature and email it to PeakRewardsHVAC@clearesult.com to receive a $50 disconnect notification fee. Also, call the PeakRewards Trade Ally hotline at 443.842.4275 and let them know that you have a device to be picked up. Leave the thermostat with the homeowner to be picked up by a BGE technician. Do not dispose of it or take it with you. How can I minimize the impact on my technicians during a BGE-related cycling event? 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 programmable thermostat, they will know that they are being cycled when they see the word “SAVINGS” appear in the upper portion of the display or a leaf on the ecobee3 lite smart thermostat screen. Switch customers will know that they are being cycled if they see a red LED light showing on their outdoor switch.When an emergency or non-emergency event is initiated, an email or text notification to all PeakRewards Trade Allies will be sent within 30 minutes of the onset of the event. The notification provides basic cycling tips that can be referenced to answer customer concerns and questions. To update or confirm the email address or phone number of your company that the notice will be sent to, please contact the PeakRewards hotline at 443.842.4275 or email PeakRewardsHVAC@clearesult.com. How can I change the backlight or other "operational" settings on the Honeywell UtilityPro thermostat? Setup is the same as on a Honeywell VisionPRO. However, if you are unfamiliar with the installer setup functions or have further questions, please contact the PeakRewards hotline at 443.842.4275 or email PeakRewardsHVAC@clearesult.com. I've encountered PeakRewards thermostats showing blank screens. What problem does the blank screen usually indicate? When the PeakRewards Honeywell UtilityPRO thermostat has a blank screen, it is usually indicative of an issue with the 24 volts power supply to the thermostat. This condition is often related to an open high-limit switch in a gas or oil furnace, which will usually reset after a few minutes and cause the display to return to normal. This problem can be intermittent. Any power interruption to the heating system will also result in a blank display.Check the furnace to ensure it is clean and operating properly. If you suspect an issue with the thermostat itself, please contact the PeakRewards hotline at 443.842.4275 or email PeakRewardsHVAC@clearesult.com. Account and Device Settings How do I sign up for PeakRewards Online Access? Don’t have a BGE.com account? Click here to register now. You must have your BGE account number at the time of enrollment. It may take up to 48 hours for the PeakRewards link to be visible for newly registered users. How do I log into PeakRewards Online Access? Log onto your your BGE online account.Visit BGE.COM/MyAccount and enter your BGE User ID and Password to sign in. The site will open to the Manage My Account tab.Don’t have a BGE.com account? Click here to register now. You must have your BGE account number at the time of enrollment. It may take up to 48 hours for the PeakRewards link to be visible for newly registered users. Access your PeakRewards account.From the Manage My Account tab, you will be able to access your PeakRewards account by clicking on the PeakRewards link under the My Programs section.The My Programs section will list all BGE programs that you are enrolled in (e.g., Budget Billing). If you are not enrolled in PeakRewards, PeakRewards will not be listed in the My Programs section. Access your PeakRewards deviceOnce you click on the PeakRewards link you will be logged in and will be able to access all of the site features:Track Cycling Event Status and HistorySet and Save Thermostat SchedulesTemporarily Adjust Thermostat SettingsChange Device Label(s)Check Enrollment StatusOverride Cycling EventsNOTE: PeakRewards participants cannot override program participation during an emergency cycling event or the transition out of an event. During an emergency event — and the remainder of the day when the event is called — the following Online Access tools will be temporarily unavailable:The “Override” linkThe “Set Thermostat Schedules” featureThe “Temporarily Adjust Settings” featurePeakRewards 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. What can I do through PeakRewards Online Access? PeakRewards Online Access allows you to change your temperature settings on your thermostat as well as:Track Cycling Event Status and HistorySet and Save Thermostat SchedulesChange Device Label(s)Check Enrollment Status How do I change my thermostat temperature through Online Access? LoginVisit BGE.COM and sign in to your AccountAccessAfter you sign in, from your “My Dashboard” page, scroll down to “Programs” and click the “PeakRewards” link.Once you click on the “PeakRewards” link you will be logged in and will be able to access all of the site features:Track Cycling Event Status and HistorySet and Save Thermostat SchedulesTemporarily Adjust Thermostat SettingsChange Device Label(s)Check Enrollment StatusOverride Cycling EventsUpdateThe “My Account Profile” section allows you to update your contact information and preferred bill delivery method. Please click on this section to make sure your information is up-to-date.Select the Adjust Thermostat tab at the top of the screen then select the thermostat you wish to adjust. Set your temperature using the featured options. Click SEND to finish manually adjusting your temperature.Click OK to confirm temperature change. Does PeakRewards Online Access keep a record of all cycling events? Yes. The Cycling History link (found on the left-hand navigation menu) directs you to your complete cycling history. To view a listing of when your central air conditioning experienced a cycle, click on View Complete History. 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. How do I set a schedule through PeakRewards Online Access? LoginVisite BGE.COM and sign in to your Account AccessAfter you sign in, from your “My Dashboard” page, scroll down to “Programs” and click the “PeakRewards” link.Once you click on the “PeakRewards” link you will be logged in and will be able to access all of the site features:Track Cycling Event Status and HistorySet and Save Thermostat SchedulesTemporarily Adjust Thermostat SettingsChange Device Label(s)Check Enrollment StatusOverride Cycling EventsUpdateThe “My Account Profile” section allows you to update your contact information and preferred bill delivery method. Please click on this section to make sure your information is up-to-date.Select the Schedule Thermostat tab at the top of the screen, then select the thermostat you wish to adjust. Set your schedule using the featured options. Click SAVE AND SEND to finish manually adjusting your temperature.Click OK to confirm temperature change. Can I set my thermostat schedule when BGE is cycling my air conditioner? No. During an emergency event — and the remainder of the day when the event is called — the following tools will be temporarily unavailable via PeakRewards Online Access:The “Override (Opt-out)” linkThe “Set Thermostat Schedules” featureThe “Temporarily Adjust Settings” feature Who do I call if I am having problems viewing or navigating the PeakRewards Online Access site? Please call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm (EST). During a cycling event, why do I see multiple cycling occurrences when I view my Online Access cycling history? 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. Can I schedule an override through PeakRewards Online Access? Yes. To schedule an override, click the Override (Opt-Out) 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. NOTE: 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 two Energy Savings Day 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 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 the event is called — the following Online Access tools will be temporarily unavailable: The “Override (Opt-out)” link will be removed The “Set Thermostat Schedules” feature will be disabled The “Temporarily Adjust Settings” feature will be disabled How do I program my thermostat? To set a schedule:Press SCHED, then EDITPress day buttons to select day(s). There are three groups: (MON-FRI), (SAT), and (SUN)Press up arrow or down arrow to set Wake time for selected day(s)Press up arrow or down arrow to set Heat and Cool temperature for this periodPress other time periods (LEAVE, RETURN, SLEEP) to set time and temperatures for eachPress DONE to save and exit (or press CANCEL to exit without saving changes)To temporarily change a temperature setting until the next programmed time period begins:Press arrow up or arrow down to adjust the temperaturePress CANCEL (or SCHED) to return to the programmed temperatureTo 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 and then press HOLDPress HOLD again to override the programmed schedule and maintain this temperatureUpon return, press CANCEL (or SCHED) to reactivate your regular programmed scheduleTo learn more about how to set a schedule, visit bgesavings.com/thermostatmanual or call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (EST). Can I manage my thermostat settings from my smart phone? 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 BGE.COM/ MyAccount. Once you log on to the site, you can set and save thermostat schedules as well as temporarily adjust your thermostat settings.Sign on to BGE My AccountClick on PeakRewards under My ProgramsClick on the thermostat you wish to adjustSelect Manual and adjust the on-screen, virtual thermostat just as you would adjust the one in your home. IMPORTANT: Click SEND when adjustments are complete for settings to take effect.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. How can I receive a copy of the thermostat operating manual? To receive a copy of the thermostat operating manual, please call the PeakRewards customer hotline at 1.888.309.PEAK (7325) Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5 pm (EST). You can also view it online here. What's the purpose of the EDIT button on the Manual Settings page? 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.TIP: Naming the thermostat after the room it’s located in (e.g., Basement) is an easy way to keep track of what you have and where it’s located. If I have more than one PeakRewards thermostat, can I set one thermostat schedule for all devices? No. You must schedule the settings for each thermostat separately. What does the HOLD checkmark do? 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. No