PSE Flex
The demand for energy is growing, which can sometimes put stress on the electrical grid. Residential electric customers can help by voluntarily reducing their energy usage on days when demand is forecasted to peak, known as “Flex events.”
You may have received Flex event notifications via email, text, or phone asking you to take simple steps to reduce energy usage on certain days during specific hours. Why?
During critical periods of high demand, PSE might deploy short-term generators, which are costlier and more carbon-intensive than standard facilities. Taking small energy-saving actions during Flex events, like turning off large appliances, can collectively make a big impact in smoothing out demand as we shift from less-efficient to cleaner resources.
By working together, we can reduce spikes in demand and ensure reliable energy for our community.
Have questions about Flex events? See FAQ below.
Unlock rewards for saving energy during Flex events
Want to take a more active role? You can get rewarded for reducing your energy usage during Flex events by joining one of our Flex programs. You’ll get paid just for signing up, plus more the longer you stay enrolled. Additionally, you’ll be automatically entered to win one of two $250 gift cards each month (except October and April).
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 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
- At least $10 each year you stay enrolled
Flex EV
PSE will remotely signal your home EV charging to happen outside the hours of Flex events.
- Get $100 for enrolling
- Plus $0.50 per kWh you save during 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.
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 Tango 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 At least $10 each year you stay enrolled Delivered by Tango 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 |
$100 for enrolling $0.50 per kWh you save during Flex events Delivered by Tango gift card |
Email, Text | Log into FlexSaver or call 1-888-292-0504 |
| 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 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. 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 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.
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.
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. To 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. Your goal is to use less energy during the event than this baseline. 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.