What Are Demand Response Programs? (ComEd)

Demand response programs are opportunities for consumers to lower their electricity bills while helping to reduce stress on the electric grid.

When there’s a high demand for electricity (think of a hot summer day when everyone is running their air conditioning), it puts a lot of stress of the electric power grid. That’s not great, because an overused electric grid can fail and cause blackouts or power surges. Waiting to run your washing machine or dryer at night instead of during the day helps reduce demand during these peak times and relieves stress on the electric grid.

Utilities help you save money through demand response programs when you pivot your electricity usage away from these high-demand times!

How can I reduce energy during peak demand times?

• Run your dishwasher overnight
• Do laundry early in the morning
• Set you thermostat four degrees higher than you normally would
• Delay using large electronics like a window air conditioner until the demand time has ended

What demand response programs are available?

In Illinois, ComEd provides multiple demand response programs for their customers:

ComEd’s Hourly Pricing

ComEd’s Hourly Pricing program is an hourly electricity pricing program for residential customers that uses ComEd’s Rate to determine your monthly energy bills. The program gives you access to hourly electricity prices that are based on the ComEd Zone wholesale market prices. ComEd passes on the price of electricity at cost; you simply pay the market price.

Learn more at https://hourlypricing.comed.com/

ComEd’s Peak Time Savings

ComEd will credit your energy bill on hot summer days when you reduce your energy usage below your recent average use during Peak Time Savings Hours. Between May 1 and October 31, ComEd will announce Peak Time Savings Hours when energy is most in demand. These events typically occur in the afternoon between the hours of 11 am to 7 pm, usually on 3 to 6 days in the summer. Notification occurs the morning of the event, no penalty for not participating but you must be enrolled to participate.

Learn more at https://www.comed.com/WaysToSave/ForYourHome/pages/peaktimesavings.aspx

ComEd’s Central AC Cycling

ComEd’s Central Air Conditioning Cycling Program helps you can stay cool, earn up to $40 dollars in bill credits, and reduce energy usage during the hottest days of summer. This program is available from May 1 – October 31 to customers who own their own home and have central air conditioning.

Lear more at https://www.comed.com/WaysToSave/ForYourHome/Pages/CentralACCycling.aspx

ComEd’s Time-of-Day Pricing

Shift your energy use to times when electricity is less in demand and save with the Time-of-Day Pricing rate. You could see potential savings on your energy bill by shifting use of electric appliances, such as your washing machine, dishwasher, or air conditioner, to times when demand is lower.

Learn more at https://www.comed.com/WaysToSave/ForYourHome/Pages/TimeofDayPricing.aspx

Want to learn more?

Visit ElevateNP.org/Smart-Electricity-Options/ to learn more about the demand response programs and how the Elevate can help you save energy and money at your home!