Critical Peak Pricing (CPP) is an optional program offered by Southern California Edison that allows businesses to receive significantly lower prices in the summer (June 1 – September 30). Lower summer rates are given in exchange for higher prices throughout 12 designated CPP events during the year. These events typically happen on non-holiday weekdays between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. and are generally triggered by extreme or unusual spikes in temperature. For example, if a business typically pays a summer rate of $0.41/kWh and they decide to enroll in CPP for the following year, their new rate could be reduced to $0.30/kWh for this 4-month time period. However, if a CPP event was called, their rates on these specific days would rise to $0.80/kWh during the hours of 4p.m. – 9p.m.
Businesses can sign up for notifications with SCE, and will be given a 1-day notice before the CPP event is scheduled to happen. During the event, businesses can take full advantage of CPP by lowering their energy use through the following:
- Reduce production or shift production to off-peak hours
- Turn off all nonessential lighting, electric signage, fountains, and office equipment
- Raise cooling thermostats to 78°F
- Install programmable smart thermostats and daylighting controls
- Shut down unoccupied facilities, rooms, and vending machines
- Unplug batter chargers and ensure battery operated equipment is charged prior to the event
VCA Green offers consultation services for energy conservation measures such as these. For more information, contact Moe Fakih below:
Moe Fakih, Principal
714-363-4700
Contributing Writer: Alina Bonto, LEED Green Associate