The Emergency Load Reduction Program (ELRP) is a 5-year pilot administered by PG&E that offers participants financial incentives to reduce energy usage or export energy during times of high grid stress and emergencies.
The ELRP was ordered by the California Public Utilities Commission in rulemaking 20-11-003, Order Instituting Rulemaking to Establish Policies, Processes, and Rules to Ensure Reliable Electric Service in California in the Event of an Extreme Weather Event in 2021. Specifically, Decision 21-03-056 laid out the requirements for PG&E to implement the ELRP by May 1, 2021. Subsequent Decisions 21-06-027 and 21-12-015 made modifications to the ELRP.
Unlike other demand response programs, ELRP allows for dual participation for customers enrolled in SmartAC, Peak Day Pricing Program, Base Interruptible Program, Capacity Bidding Program, and with third-party demand response providers. In addition, this program is unique in its voluntary nature as there are no penalties for non-performance. For customers capable of export, the program incentivizes the export of energy for participants with a behind-the-meter Rule 21-interconnected device with an existing Rule 21 export permit.