PSE Flex
Our demand for energy is growing, which can sometimes put stress on the electrical grid. To address this, we use a strategy known as demand response. This approach helps manage energy consumption during periods of high demand, which we refer to as “Flex events.” During these times, there are several ways that both residential and business customers can participate in reducing energy usage—and earn rewards for doing so.
You may have received notifications about Flex events via email, text, or phone, asking you to take simple steps to lower your energy use during specific hours on certain days. Why?
During critical periods of high demand, PSE might need to activate short-term generators that are costlier and more carbon-intensive than our standard facilities. By taking small actions to reduce your energy use during Flex events, such as turning off large appliances, you help to lessen the need for these less-efficient, temporary power sources. Your efforts collectively contribute to smoothing out demand, which helps us transition to cleaner, more sustainable energy resources.
By working together, we can reduce spikes in demand and ensure stable and reliable energy for our community.
Have questions about Flex events? See FAQ below.
Choose how to participate
Flex Rewards
During Flex events, PSE will send you notifications to reduce your energy usage. You'll earn money based on how much electricity you save.
- Get $25 for enrolling
- Plus $1 per kWh you save during Flex events
- $15 each year you stay enrolled
Flex Smart
Own a Wi-Fi enabled smart thermostat? During Flex events, PSE will automatically adjust its temperature set point by a few degrees with no action needed on your part!
- Get up to $50 per device for enrolling
- Up to $40 per device each year you stay enrolled
Flex EV
PSE will remotely signal your home EV charging to happen outside the hours of Flex events.
- Get $50 for enrolling
- Plus $0.50 per kWh you save during Flex events
Flex Water Heaters
PSE will remotely signal your electric water heater to adjust its operation during Flex events. If your water heater is not yet connectable, you may be eligible to retrofit it with a free Smart Water Link!
- Get a $20 gift card for enrolling
- Plus a $20 gift card each year you stay enrolled
Flex Batteries
Own a battery storage system? Earn money by partnering with PSE and allowing your battery to be called upon during Flex Events, with no action or behavior change required.
- Get $1,000 for enrolling (per battery)
- Get up to $500 per year for participating in Flex events
Flex event notifications
As part of our commitment to supporting our community in this effort, PSE customers are automatically set to receive Flex event notifications. Customers in Flex Batteries will not receive notifications.
By default, notifications will be sent via email, but customers have the option to receive phone (program dependent, see table below) and text as well. If you enroll a smart thermostat or other smart device, you'll receive notifications on your device and/or device’s app before and during a Flex event.
Notification emails for Flex events will start right after PSE announces a new event. For events happening the next day, emails will start at 8 a.m. PT the day before and will be delivered by 5 p.m. PT on that day.
For same-day events, notification emails begin at 8 a.m. PT on the day of the event and are all delivered by 12 p.m. PT. Flex events taking place on the same day will start at 3 p.m. or later.
You can always adjust your notification preferences by following the steps for each program listed below.
| Program | How to enroll | Customer incentives | How Flex events are communicated | How to adjust your notification preferences | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Default Flex event notifications | PSE customers are auto-enrolled | None | Email, Text, Phone | Go to the bottom of your most recent Flex event email notification and click “Manage Preferences” and then unsubscribe. Or follow the opt-out steps given in our text and phone notifications. | |
| Flex Rewards | Enrollment link on Flex Rewards landing page |
$25 for enrolling $1 per kWh you save during Flex events $15 each year you stay enrolled Delivered by gift card |
Email, Text | Receiving notifications is a requirement to stay enrolled and earn incentives. Log into FlexSaver to adjust preferences. | |
| Flex Smart | Varies by device manufacturer. Links on Flex Smart page |
Up to $50 per device for enrolling Up to $40 per device each year you stay enrolled Delivered by gift card |
Thermostat device app or thermostat display | You cannot disable notifications, but you have the option to decline participating in a Flex event. | |
| Flex EV | Varies by equipment manufacturer. Links on Flex EV page |
$50 for enrolling $0.50 per kWh you save during Flex events Delivered by gift card |
Email, Text | Log into FlexSaver or call 1-888-793-9347. | |
| Flex Batteries | Enrollment link on Flex Batteries landing page:
pse.com/flexbatteries |
$1,000 for enrolling your battery in the VPP and up to $500 per year to take part Flex events (summer and winter) (per battery) | By default, you will not receive a notification of your battery’s participation during a Flex event from AutoGrid or PSE.
If you would like to receive a notification from PSE about a Flex event, please contact AutoGrid’s customer support directly at Flex@pse.com or by calling 1-888-793-9347. |
||
| Time-of-Use with Peak Time Rebates (Sch. 317 or 324) |
TOU homepage | Credits on monthly bill for voluntarily participating in a peak time rebate event | Email, Text | Receiving at least one form of event notification (email and/or SMS) is a requirement to participate in the Time-of-Use with Peak Time Rebates pilot program. Visit TOU FAQ page for more details, or email TOU@pse.com to manage your notification preferences. |
|
| Flex Water Heaters | Enrollment link on Flex Water Heaters landing page |
$20 for enrolling $20 each year you stay enrolled |
Water heater app or Smart Water Link display | You cannot disable notifications, but you have the option to decline participating in a Flex event. | |
Flex events
What is a Flex event and why does it occur?
Our experts can predict periods with heightened demand for electricity based on a range of different criteria, which we call “Flex events.” For example, a Flex event might occur on a day with weather hotter or colder than normal, when we tend to use more energy to heat and cool our homes and businesses.
With collective action from the community, we can prevent spikes in energy usage that strain the grid and ensure there is enough energy to go around.
When could a Flex event occur and how often?
Flex events will only occur once a day during the hours of 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., typically lasting between 2-4 hours each, and will never take place on holidays (see list below). Winter events can occur from Nov. 1 to March 31 and summer events can occur from May 1 to Sept. 30, no more than 3 times a week and 15 times per season.
Holidays:
- New Years
- Memorial Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas
Do I have to reduce my energy usage during Flex events?
No, reducing energy usage during Flex events is 100% voluntary for customers. There is no requirement to participate in events, but you will need to actively override each event if you do not want to participate in the event
Will PSE shut off my power during Flex events?
No, PSE will not disconnect customers' power in response to increased demand. However, it is possible that a power outage might coincide with a Flex event due to circumstances such as inclement weather. For customers in the Flex Smart program, PSE is only authorized to auto-adjust their smart thermostat or other smart device during Flex events, but participation is always voluntary.
Flex savings
How can I save energy during a Flex event?
Minimize appliance use: Delay using large appliances like your clothes dryer and dishwasher until after the Flex event is over.
Upgrade to a smart thermostat: Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat to conveniently control your home temperature during Flex events. With a smart thermostat, you can stay comfortable without the hassle of remembering to adjust your thermostat. Residential customers can get an instant discount on a smart thermostat, visit pse.com/marketplace.
Use smart lighting: Upgrade to smart lightbulbs and you’ll be able to turn off your lights using a mobile device. Saving energy is easy when you can remotely turn off lights from anywhere—even when you’re not home! Get more energy-saving tips here.
For more ideas on how to save energy, visit pse.com/flextips.
How does PSE determine how much energy I save during a Flex event?
We calculate your energy savings for each Flex event using a baseline. This baseline is created by averaging the energy consumption of the four highest-usage days among the five weekdays before the event. We also consider energy usage in the two hours before the event and the hour after the event, and make adjustments based on higher or lower usage during that time (e.g., 3-4 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. for a 5-7 p.m. event).
Where can I see my Flex event energy savings?
By default, we’ll send you notifications after events showing how much energy you saved in comparison to your neighbors. If you're enrolled in Flex Rewards, you can access your results in the FlexSaver portal.
How does PSE choose which neighbors to compare my Flex event energy savings with?
Our goal is to provide customers with a comparison that is valid and meaningful. We do this by looking at other occupied households in your area with similar characteristics, such as home size and home type, since they have similar energy needs. Most importantly, we only include homes that appear to be occupied at the time of the comparison.
Can I earn money for participating in Flex events?
Yes! If you sign up for Flex Smart or Flex Rewards, you’ll earn money for participating in Flex events. See which program is right for you.
Flex event tips
Fact or Fiction?
Is demand response the same as rolling blackouts? Absolutely not!
Learn how PSE Flex really works and the impact it makes.
Why join PSE Flex?
"I'm delighted so far to be a part of these programs...Honestly, it has made no significant changes to my lifestyle." Sunil R.