Summer Saver is a no-cost, energy-saving program where you can help us manage electricity demand more efficiently during warmer months.
In return, we give you a credit on your SDG&E bill. It’s one of the easiest ways to save energy and money during the summer.
If you're a current Summer Saver program participant you can sign up for notifications here.
We install a Summer Saver device on your central air conditioning unit at no cost. On select summer days, when electricity is at its peak, we activate the Summer Saver device to cycle your central air conditioner "on and off" for a few hours.
Summer Saver is only used May through October. It may be used as little as one or two days, but will never be used more than 15 days.
Please be aware that not all participants will begin and end a conservation event at the same time. Actual start and end times may vary by 30 minutes.
What is the Summer Saver device?
The Summer Saver device is a small, wireless box mounted near your central air conditioning unit. It operates with central air conditioning systems and is not designed for room A/C units or small space units.
While the Summer Saver device works with most central air conditioning systems, there are some systems that are not recommended to be operated with these devices. These include central air conditioners with communications boards, integrated environmental controls, energy management systems, variable speed compressors, or special wiring. A trained Summer Saver technician will carefully evaluate your unit’s compatibility before beginning any installation activities. If your unit is not compatible, you aren’t eligible to participate in the Summer Saver program.
How does the Summer Save device work?
On select hot summer days, a remote signal is sent to activate the device, which then cycles the cooling function of your central A/C "on and off" for a few hours.
Is the Summer Saver device safe to use with my central A/C unit?
Yes. More than five million similar devices have been installed nationwide.
What is ‘cycling’?
During normal operation your central air conditioning turns "on and off" based on your thermostat setting. This is called cycling.
Whenever there is a power emergency or critical peak demand, your Summer Saver device will be activated for a conservation period of two to four hours. While your central air conditioner is in a conservation mode the run-time of the condenser (the cooling portion) will be reduced to save energy. However, your fan, which requires little energy to operate, continues to circulate air for added comfort.
What is the difference between the 50% and 100% cycling options?
50%: With 50% cycling, your air conditioning will run half the time that it ran in the hour before the conservation period. When the conservation period is over your air conditioning will return to normal operation under the control of your thermostat setting.
100%: With 100% cycling, your air conditioning is turned off for the duration of the conservation period. The temperature increase will vary by type of residence and will be noticeable if you are at home.
What is a "ton"?
Tonnage is used to express the one-hour cooling capacity of air conditioners. One ton is 12,000 BTUs of cooling/hour. On average, one ton will cool from 400-700 square feet in a residential application.
Will the Summer Saver turn my air conditioning on, if it is off?
No. The device will not turn on your air conditioning on in order to cycle. It is designed to only work with units that are operating during the conservation period.
When will the device be installed?
Generally, within two weeks of signing up. A typical residential installation takes about 30 minutes provided the technician has access to your exterior A/C unit. You don't need to be present, but you may schedule an installation for a time when you will be home.
Who provides the installation and technology?
We have an agreement with a third-party, Comverge, Inc. They are responsible for installing, removing and servicing the wireless unit.
How does the annual bill credit work?
Participation in the Summer Saver begins the day the cycling device is installed. If your install occurs after October 1, you’ll receive a credit on your December SDG&E bill of the following year. The amount of your credit is based on the size of your A/C unit and the cycling option you choose.
Customers that enroll between September 1st through October 31st must enroll at the 50% cycling option. If you enroll prior to the September 1st date you may only decrease your level of participation from 100% to 50% between September 1st thru October 31st. You may not increase your participation from 50% to 100% between September 1st and October 31st. You may opt out of the program at any time but will not receive any compensation for partial participation.
I have more than one central air conditioner. Can I receive a credit for each?
Yes. You can enroll one or as many units as you have. The Summer Saver device can be installed on every working unit on your premise and your bill credit will reflect the tonnage of all your A/Cs.
What if I want to change my cycling option?
It's quick and easy. Whether you want to upgrade your option to earn a higher bill credit or drop down to 50 percent cycling, you can make the change with just one phone call. Call the Summer Saver Customer Care Center at 1-800-850-1705 and your request will be implemented in 48 hours. You may opt out of the program at any time but will not receive any compensation for partial participation.
What if I sign up for a Summer Saver option, but then decide it’s not for me?
If you are not satisfied, you can request to leave the Summer Saver program option at anytime, at no cost. Just call the Summer Saver Customer Care Center at 1-800-850-1705.
Where can I find my SDG&E account number?
Your account number is the first 10 digits of the number located in the top-left corner of every bill.
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