How are Peak Time Rebates calculated?

Peak Time Rebates rewards you for shifting your energy use during peak times – when energy demand and prices are highest.

Simply put, your energy use baseline is calculated from your average use over the past 10 similar days during the same hours as the Peak Time Event. You earn $1 per kilowatt hour (kWh) when you reduce below your baseline during a Peak Time Event. Let's break that down more, below.

Rebates are calculated in four easy steps:

Establish baseline period

PGE looks at the 10 most recent days that are similar in type (weekday or weekend). Holidays or any previous Peak Time Event days aren't considered similar days and aren't included in establishing the 10-day baseline period.

Determine typical use

Using the selected 10 days for your baseline period, PGE identifies your home’s average use during the same hours as the Peak Time Event. So, if the upcoming Peak Time Event is from 4-7 p.m., PGE will determine your home’s average use during the hours of 4-7 p.m.

Adjust for weather

Because the weather on the Peak Time Event day may not be exactly the same as the 10 days selected for the baseline period, PGE applies an adjustment for the difference in temperature for some customers if your historical usage indicates a significant difference in electrical use when the temperature changes. For example, you may have higher use in summer because of air conditioning or in the winter due to electric heating. This will determine your home’s energy usage baseline or “Typical Use.”

Calculate the difference

We subtract the total kilowatt hours you use during the Peak Time Event or “Actual Event Use” from your “Typical Use,” as shown in the calculation below. If your energy use during the event is less than your Typical Use, you earn a rebate at a rate of $1.00 per kilowatt hour.

Formula:

(typical use + weather adjustment) – actual event use = kWh savings

  • kWh savings x $1.00/kWh = Rebate

Example:

(3.67 kWh + 1.1 kWh) – 2.21 kWh = 2.56 kWh

  • 2.56 kWh x $1.00 = $2.56

Rebate that would appear on the bill = $2.56

Energy shifting matters

Today, 22% of PGE customers are participating in energy shifting programs like Peak Time Rebates. This community reduced its energy use during this past summer's high heat to help maintain service reliability and support the use of more sustainable resources.

Learn more about the power of energy shifting.