Providing more efficient power to your home or business

Conservation Voltage Reduction (CVR) is an enhancement to the electric system that improves the system’s efficiency. CVR lowers energy consumption, reduces environmental impact, and ensures reliable service through the fine-tuning of the system voltages for our customers.

How it works

Per WA State code WAC 480-100-373, PSE delivers to customers a voltage that is required to stay within +/- 5% of the nominal service voltage, which for a 120V service would be the delivered voltage can be operated between 114 and 126 volts. CVR is a method of managing the voltage via regulation devices to more in the lower half of the range (114-120 volts) rather than the upper half (120-126 volts). Operating in the lower range produces energy savings and efficiencies without impacting customer appliances and electronics.

What you can expect

• Smooth Operation: Your appliances will continue to perform reliably, even with a slightly reduced voltage.
• Reduced Wear and Tear: Devices like refrigerators, air conditioners, and LED lights may benefit from lower electrical stress from increased efficiency, potentially extending their lifespan.
• Unchanged Performance: In most cases, you won’t notice any difference in how your appliances work from day to day.
• Settings Adjustments: Some appliances may require adjustment in their voltage settings to reflect the minor adjustment in voltage being delivered. Examples of this might be uninterruptible power supply (UPS), backup generator, equipment controllers, and variable frequency drives.

Questions?

Contact us at cvr.program@pse.com or 425-462-3644 with your CVR related questions.