PSO Power Hours FAQ

• PSO’s Power Hours program is a voluntary Direct Load Control (DLC) program for PSO residential electric customers who have eligible smart thermostats connected to their central air conditioning.

• When summer temperatures climb, demand for electricity increases and can cause strain on the grid. PSO’s Power Hours program is designed to help reduce energy use during times of high energy demand. This decreases the use of less efficient and more expensive power sources. That’s good for the environment, and it helps keep energy costs low for everyone.

• Participants agree to brief adjustments of 4 degrees or less to their thermostats during peak electric demand periods from June 1 through September 30. Adjustments to your thermostat typically last no more than four hours and will not occur on weekends or holidays, except in the event of a system emergency.

• Participants will receive a one-time $50 virtual prepaid Mastercard® per device (up to four devices per household) after successfully enrolling in the program. In addition, participants will receive a $25 Prepaid Mastercard for each enrolled device each year following the conclusion of the Power Hours season.

To be eligible to enroll, you must:

• Be a PSO residential electric customer with the electric service in your name.

• Use an eligible internet-connected smart thermostat to control your central air conditioning.

• Allow PSO to make brief, small thermostat adjustments during Peak Events on high energy demand days.

You will receive a one-time $50 Prepaid Mastercard per device after successfully enrolling in the Power Hours program (up to four devices).

You will receive your $50 Prepaid Mastercard within 60 days of being accepted into the program. The $50 Prepaid Mastercard will be sent to the email address used to register your smart thermostat.

Beginning in the 2022 season, you’ll be receiving a $25 Prepaid Mastercard per participating thermostat at the end of the summer season, instead of PSO bill credits.

You will receive one $25 Prepaid Mastercard per device following the conclusion of each Power Hours season. The $25 Prepaid Mastercard will be sent to the email address used to register your smart thermostat.

You can find the program terms and conditions for all thermostat providers below:

Confirm your eligibility for the program by answering these three questions:

1. Are you a PSO residential electric customer with electric service in your name?

2. Do you use an eligible, internet-connected thermostat to control your central air conditioning?

3. Will you allow the program to make brief, small thermostat adjustments during Peak Events on high energy demand days or in the event of a system emergency?

If you answered yes to these three questions, please choose whether you have a thermostat to enroll in PSO’s program or if you would like to purchase a new, qualifying thermostat.

• If you have an existing thermostat, please select your thermostat among the eligible models. Then, click the Enroll Now button to go to your thermostat’s enrollment site, where you will follow a series of simple steps to enroll.

• If you don’t have an existing eligible thermostat, please choose a model, purchase and install it. Once you have installed and activated, come back to enroll your new thermostat in the program.

Once your eligibility is confirmed by PSO, you will be enrolled in the program. You will receive notification on your enrollment status via email using the address provided in your account registration.

Yes, you are eligible to participate in the Power Hours DLC program and TOD rate options at the same time.

Depending on your thermostat provider, notifications will appear on the thermostat or in your web/mobile application.

• At the start of a Peak Event, your thermostat will be automatically adjusted up to 4 degrees above the current temperature setting.

• The Peak Event will typically last less than four hours on non-holiday weekday afternoons. Once the event is over, your thermostat will return to its normal setting.

• A Peak Event may be preceded by pre-cooling, where the current or scheduled target temperature setpoint is temporarily changed to prepare for the peak event.

Your thermostat will be adjusted by 4 degrees or less in order to reduce the high-energy demand with minimal impact on your comfort. Your participation is voluntary and you will retain control of your thermostat. You can easily opt out of an event for any reason.

Yes. During a Peak Event, you can opt out from your thermostat, mobile device or web app.

Send an email to AEP-PSOPowerHours@energyhub.com, requesting to end your participation in the program. Once you have been taken off the program, your thermostat(s) will no longer be controlled and you will not receive the annual participation incentive.

Please email AEP-PSOPowerHours@energyhub.com.