BGE’s PeakRewards Air Conditioning Program helps prevent the need for additional power plants, keep down the overall cost of electricity and ease the burden on Maryland’s electricity delivery system as the state’s population continues to grow. Plus, participants receive up to $100 in BGE bill credits each summer (June–September).

How does it work?

During periods of high electricity demand, BGE will cycle participants’ air conditioning on and off using a professionally installed programmable thermostat or outdoor switch on their air conditioning units. This is known as cycling. These cycling events typically occur in the summer from June through September but can also happen during other times of the year. In exchange for their participation, customers receive $50 to $100 in bill credits every summer (June–September) depending on their cycling participation level (50%, 75% or 100%).

The PeakRewards Program is completely voluntary and is open to all BGE residential customers with central air conditioning or an electric heat pump in good working order, regardless of their choice of electricity supplier. By participating in PeakRewards, you are taking a smart and easy step to ease the burden on Maryland’s existing electricity delivery system and reduce the need for additional power plants. You’re also helping to protect the environment by lowering power plant emissions, reducing our carbon footprint and taking advantage of energy-saving solutions brought to you by EmPOWER Maryland.

What are emergency cycling events?

When regional demand for electricity is close to surpassing supply, BGE may be required by PJM, the Regional Transmission Operator for the Mid-Atlantic region, to activate an emergency cycling event. This type of event is usually called to avoid potential brownouts and rolling blackouts. During emergency cycling events, PeakRewards Air Conditioning Program participants will be cycled up to their chosen cycling participation level (50%, 75% or 100%). You will not be able to override participation in emergencycycling events. And after the emergency event ends, there will be a transition period until full operation of your unit is restored.

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 in an Energy Savings Day, you can earn a $1.25 bill credit 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.

Learn More

Choose convenience

BGE residential customers enrolled in the PeakRewards Program may use Online Access to view and manage their switch and thermostat settings 24/7, from anywhere they have access to the internet.

Visit BGE.com and sign in to your account. After you sign in, from your “My Dashboard” page, scroll down to “Programs” and click the “PeakRewards” link. From there, you will be able to access the following PeakRewards features:

• Track cycling event status and history
• Set and save thermostat schedules
• Temporarily adjust thermostat settings
• Change device label(s)
• Check enrollment status

Log in

Do your serial numbers match up?

To ensure your PeakRewards programmable thermostat or outdoor switch is hooked up to help you save, check the serial number of your installed device and make sure it matches BGE’s records.

Check Your Tech

Still having trouble programming your thermostat?

• PeakRewards A/C Program Guide and Honeywell Thermostat Manual 
• Honeywell UtilityPRO Operating Manual (7-day thermostat version)