Why Energy Shifting Matters
Your energy choices make a difference. By shifting energy use away from busy peak times, you help keep costs down, improve reliability and ease demand on the grid. That means a more resilient, affordable energy future for you and your community.
Energy shifting is a simple way to support your neighbors and build a stronger, more connected community.
How energy shifting works
When we shift energy use together, we support our community and create a stronger, more flexible power grid. Our collective efforts can:
Reduce strain on the grid to help prevent outages during peak times
Make room for more clean energy while keeping power reliable for everyone
Keep costs in check by lowering the need for more expensive power
By making small shifts, we make a big impact — together.
The power of energy shifting
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, pushing energy demand to record-breaking levels and requiring every available resource to meet the need.
In recent years, PGE customers have faced a record-setting “heat dome,” the warmest month on record and high winter energy demand. Energy shifting plays a key role in helping us respond to these challenges.
Together, we’ll make a difference
Peak energy use typically happens on extremely cold or hot days when we crank up the heat or air conditioning. It can also spike due to high demand in other areas of the region. Energy shifting is about making small adjustments to how — and when — you use electricity during these peak times.
Today, 24% of PGE customers participate in one of PGE’s energy-shifting programs. Participants in our Peak Time Rebates and Smart Thermostat programs shifted enough energy during a typical Peak Time Event* to power:
7,800 homes** during winter 2024-2025
3,800 homes** during summer 2024
5,450 homes** during winter 2023-2024
18,500 homes** during summer 2023
*Peak Time Events usually last just three to four hours and typically happen on weekdays, either in the late afternoon or evening, or during cold mornings in the winter. **Approximate number per Peak Time Event and not the sum of all events.
What energy shifting can do
Improve grid reliability and resilience
During the July 2024 heat wave, PGE customers made a big impact by shifting their energy use. In just two days, they reduced peak electricity demand by 109 megawatts one day and 100 megawatts the next! These small actions added up, helping keep the power steady and the lights on. Thanks to customers like you, the grid stayed strong when it mattered most.
Take the good energy quiz!
How and when you use energy can make a big difference. Take the Good Energy Quiz to discover which energy-saving programs are the best fit for your household. Whether it’s shifting your energy use during peak times, exploring our Smart Charging program for EV drivers or checking out our Time of Day pricing plan, the quiz gives you personalized results to help you save money and energy.
Options for energy shifters
With PGE’s Peak Time Event programs, shifting your energy use is simple and rewarding. Choose the option that fits your lifestyle and start earning rewards today.
Peak Time Rebates
With Peak Time Rebates, you can shift your energy use during Peak Time Events by cutting back on appliances like air conditioning, heating or your washer and dryer. It’s an easy way to help balance demand and earn rewards for your efforts.
Smart Thermostat program
With the Smart Thermostat program, your thermostat will automatically adjust a few degrees before a Peak Time Event to pre-cool or pre-heat your home, helping reduce energy use during the event. You’re always in control and can opt out by adjusting the temperature to your comfort.
Energy Shifting Businesses
Businesses play a key role in stabilizing energy for the entire community. By shifting your energy use during peak times, you help ease grid demand, reduce costs and earn rewards that benefit your bottom line.
Other energy shifting programs
Smart Charging program
Our Smart Charging program offers rebates to help you charge faster at home with a Level 2 charger. You also get ongoing PGE bill credits for allowing us to shift your electric car charging during the same few peak hours every weekday.
Time of Day
Looking for something a little different? Time of Day is a smart, money-saving pricing plan that works differently from energy shifting programs. No need to wait for a peak time event — just make it part of your routine to do less between 5 – 9 p.m. and you’ll see savings all year-round!
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