Clean Power Alliance launched the Smart Light Switch Pilot Program to help customers reduce electricity use and save money on their monthly energy bills. The Flick smart light switch provides simple, color-coded visual cues to help residents understand when electricity costs are highest and when reducing energy use can lead to savings.
During Time-of-Use (TOU) peak periods, when electricity is most expensive, the smart light switch encourages customers to reduce energy consumption. By shifting or lowering usage during these hours, customers can save on their electric bills while also helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
As part of the pilot, Flick devices were installed in 162 residential housing units located in disadvantaged communities in Ventura County.
Flick receives time-based electricity rate signals directly from CPA and translates them into easy-to-understand visual notifications.
During CPA’s Energy Savings Events, when electricity demand on the grid is higher than seasonally projected, the switch glows red. Energy Savings Events typically occur during peak hours from 4-9 p.m. The red signal serves as a prompt for residents to reduce electricity use, often resulting in bill savings.
The pilot’s early results suggest that simple visual notifications can drive meaningful energy savings. During CPA Energy Savings Events, participating households reduced their energy use by approximately 20% compared to their baseline consumption.
Beyond energy-saving reminders, the Flick device offers additional benefits, including the ability to share important community messages and monitor indoor temperature and humidity levels. These features can also help identify potential HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) issues early, reducing the likelihood of more costly maintenance needs in the future.
Customers participating in the pilot may also be eligible to enroll in CPA’s Power Response Home Program, which rewards households for reducing electricity use during Energy Savings Events and other periods of grid stress. Participants receive a $20 enrollment incentive and can earn an additional $2 for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) of energy saved during qualifying events.
The Smart Light Switch Pilot Program will provide valuable insights into how smart-device notifications influence household energy use and help inform future programs designed to support customer energy savings.
To learn more about the pilot program, visit cleanpoweralliance.org/smartlightswitch.
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