Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) noted that during hot summer days, when system demand starts to peak, it can dispatch a radio signal to the SmartAC devices already installed throughout the area, thereby slightly reducing the amount of electricity the air conditioners use without disturbing customer comfort.
The SmartAC technology is reportedly capable of adjusting the air conditioners power requirements intermittently over several hours during the day, only when its critically needed, while also ensuring that a home’s temperature remains comfortable.
East Bay electricity customers with air conditioners can voluntarily enroll to have a SmartAC device installed on or near the air conditioner at no additional charge. Those who enroll will receive a payment of $25 for participating.
With the exception of an extreme grid emergency, customers can call or go online to opt out of SmartAC at any time, and the air conditioner will return to running as it normally would.
