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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
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
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
  • At least $10 each year you stay enrolled
Flex EV
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 Batteries
Flex Battery

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 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 $50 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
Flex Batteries Enrollment link on Flex Batteries landing page:
greatindianarts.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@greatindianarts.com or by calling 1-888-292-0502.
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@greatindianarts.com to manage your notification preferences.

FAQ

faq other
Flex events
faq other
Flex savings
Flex event tips
Participating in Flex events can be simple. Check out some energy-saving tips for events in all seasons.
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.