Duke Energy offers customers incentives to reduce AC use
Comet staff report

During the long, hot summer months, electricity consumption increases as customers use more power to keep their homes cool. Duke Energy's Power Manager Program pays residential customers to reduce their air conditioning use without sacrificing comfort during times of high demand for electricity.

"On average, a home's cooling system accounts for approximately half of a customer's total electricity usage," said Deanna Bowden, Duke Energy product and services marketing specialist. "Customers who participate in Power Manager can reduce their power use when it's needed most in their communities, without sacrificing the comfort of their homes. That's because air-conditioning units are switched on and off in small increments so that customers notice very little temperature difference."

As demand for electricity increases, more power plants are needed. The Power Manager program helps the company reduce the amount of power needed during peak usage times, which helps delay the need to build new power plants and lowers electricity costs for all customers. About 35,000 Indiana customers currently participate in the voluntary Power Manager program.

As part of the program, Duke Energy installs a free load management switch on a customer's outside central air-conditioning compressor unit. This switch allows the company to remotely cycle the system a few minutes every half hour on days when demand for electricity is critical. To help maintain comfort, the air conditioner's indoor fan continues to circulate air throughout the home. If the unit is cycled off and on, it would most likely be from midmorning through early evening. Depending on the option chosen, participating customers receive a one-time credit of $25 or $35 for allowing installation of the switch, as well as additional electric bill credits each day Duke Energy cycles off their air conditioning system.

Customers interested in signing up or learning more can call tollfree: (877) 392-4848, or visit the Web site at www.dukeenergy. com/powermanager