SCE Bolt FAQs

When will I receive my Rewards?

Enrollment rewards are paid within three weeks of enrollment. Annual participation fees are paid within three weeks after the end of the calendar year.

How will this affect my charging schedule?

Participation in the BOLT Study may involve changes to your EV charging schedule during periods of high grid demand. These changes are managed by Optiwatt and are designed to support the grid during peak periods while prioritizing the preferences you set in your Optiwatt account to minimize disruption to your routine, making sure your car is always charged when you need it.

Will this pilot prevent me from charging my EV?

No. The BOLT Study is designed to optimize charging rather than prevent it. Your EV charging may be shifted or paused briefly during specific demand response events, but you retain the ability to charge your EV as needed and can always opt out of events.

How do I participate in the program?

To participate and learn more, visit www.sce.com/bolts/optiwatt.

If I have further questions, who should I contact?

Further questions should be directed to Optiwatt by emailing [e-mail]

How long will the study last?

The BOLT Study is expected to run through Q1 2026, with primary events occurring during Summer 2025 and potential additional events in Winter 2025/2026.

How do I stop participating in the program?

You may unenroll at any time through the Optiwatt app, or by contacting Optiwatt customer support by phone at [phone] or by email at [e-mail].

Why is SCE offering this program?

SCE is offering the BOLT Study to modernize its approach to shifting energy demand away from times of high-use by simplifying customer participation, improving customer engagement, and enabling a wide range of technologies and vendors to participate. The goal is to make demand response programs more nimble, cost-effective, and scalable while providing valuable grid services.

If I agree to participate in the SCE BOLT Study with Optiwatt, what will I receive?

Participants may receive enrollment and annual participation payments based on the type of eligible devices enrolled:

• Smart Thermostats: $75 enrollment + $25 annual
• Electric Vehicles (EV telematics or EVSE): $100 enrollment + $25 annual
• Battery Storage: $300 enrollment + $100 annual
• Rewards are paid per device, and customers may stack rewards by enrolling multiple devices. However, if both an EV and an EVSE are on the same circuit, only one is eligible for compensation.

How will this affect my thermostat?

By enrolling a thermostat in the Study, you agree to allow Optiwatt to manage your thermostat usage during the peak demand windows. Within your Optiwatt account, you can set your acceptable temperature range.

What is Southern California Edison’s BOLT Study?

The BOLT (Behind-the-Meter Optimization of Load Technologies) Study is an innovative demand response pilot offered by Southern California Edison (SCE) in partnership with Uplight and Optiwatt. It aims to explore how residential customers can easily enroll multiple controllable devices - such as electric vehicles (EVs), smart thermostats, and battery storage - into a single, flexible program that supports the electric grid. The program will test new technologies, streamline enrollment, and provide customers with incentives for participation.

Participation is penalty-free, customers can opt out of individual events at any time while remaining enrolled in the program and eligible for rewards.