Demand Conservation Program FAQ
What is a Demand Conservation Switch?
The Demand Conservation switch is a small radio receiver that is mounted near your outdoor air conditioning unit. It's used to help reduce your peak demand for energy helping us to keep down the cost of electricity — all at no cost to you. Plus, you receive a credit on your electric bills during the summer months (June, July, August and September).
What is a Demand Conservation Programmable Thermostat? This top of the line programmable thermostat has a built in radio receiver and works exactly like the switch option. The 5-1-1 day thermostat can be programmed with up to four temperature settings each day. Used properly, the thermostat can help you reduce your year-round heating and cooling bill by 10% - 20% each year.
Who will install my Demand Conservation switch or thermostat? We have contracted with GoodCents to install our switches and thermostats at no cost to you. GoodCents is a company that specializes in the installation of these demand-saving devices and maintains all of the necessary licenses, permits and insurance. They have a proven track record of providing high quality installations and superior customer service.
How do I sign up to get my Demand Conservation Switch?
You can sign up online (LG&E, KU), by email or by calling 1-866-857-COOL (2665).
When will I receive my first credit on my bill if I chose the switch option?
The first June, July, August or September bill you receive after the switch is installed on your home should include the $5 credit. Please allow several days after the installation for us to process your paperwork.
How will my Demand Conservation switch or thermostat work?
During periods of peak energy use in the summer months, a radio signal is sent to your switch or thermostat to activate it. This signal will interrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor on your air conditioner or heat pump for a few minutes each half-hour. This is what reduces the peak demand for energy, helping to keep down the cost of electricity.
Does that mean my home will get hot?
You should notice little, if any, difference in your home's indoor air temperature. Our experience has been that customers see little difference in overall comfort level. Programs similar to this have been in existence since the early 1980s, implemented by other large electric utilities, and customers rarely, if ever, notice any difference in their indoor air temperature.
How often will my switch or thermostat be activated?
We will call for activation only on summer days when demand for electricity reaches a peak. Typically, cycling will occur for a few hours on no more than 20 days all summer, during the late afternoon and early evening. Your switch will be activated on weekends or holidays only in the event of a system emergency.
How long after I sign-up before my switch or thermostat be installed?
Generally within three to four weeks. During certain times of the year, large numbers of customers signing up for the program could result in longer waits for installations.
Do I need to be home when my switch or thermostat is installed?
You do not need to be home during installation if you choose the switch option. Just be sure any gates that provide access to your outside air conditioning unit are unlocked and that there is not a lock on the electrical disconnect box located beside your air conditioning unit.
Because the thermostat is installed INSIDE your home, we do require that an adult be present during the installation if you choose the thermostat option. We will schedule a convenient time for your installation.
How do I know if my switch or thermostat is activated or is working properly?
Your switch has a window on the front of it. A light (either red or yellow) will show in the window when the switch has been activated. The light will be on during the few minutes that electricity is being interrupted to the compressor. When the light goes out, electricity will be restored to the compressor, and cooling will continue. This process will repeat every thirty minutes during the period the switch is activated. A green light may be on, off or momentarily flash, indicating that the switch is testing itself.
With the thermostat, during activation the large LCD screen will display "SAVE".
Please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-866-857-COOL (2665) anytime you have a question about your switch or your thermostat.
If my switch fails or is damaged, will it prevent my air conditioner or my heat from working?
Your switch is an extremely reliable piece of equipment with a failure rate of well below 1%. It is designed to allow your cooling or heating to continue to work in the unlikely event of a failure. The switch fails in a positive mode, which means your cooling or heating will continue to operate normally even in the unlikely event the switch does fail.
I'm having a problem with my air conditioner or heating system not operating properly. What should I do? Is there someone I can call to make sure that it's not related to my switch or thermostat?
First, you should check your circuit breaker or fuses to make sure that's not the problem. Next, double check the thermostat to be sure it's set properly. If all of that is okay, you can call toll-free 1-866-857-COOL (2665) anytime. We can often help you determine the problem over the phone. If there is a problem with the switch or thermostat, we will send a technician to your home right away to make any necessary corrections.
What if my heating and air conditioning company's service technician recommends that I have my switch disconnected or my thermostat removed?
While we have attempted to educate heating and air conditioning contractors about the program, they may, on occasion, recommend it be removed or disconnected. Please have your service technician call us at 1-866-857-COOL (2665) before allowing them to proceed with disconnection or removal. We have worked with the equipment manufacturers during the design of this device and program, and you can be assured your switch or thermostat will not harm your air conditioner or heat pump in any way, and it will not affect your equipment's warranty.
Exactly how does my switch or the switch in my thermostat cut power off to my air conditioner compressor?
The switch is connected to the low voltage wire (24 volts) that goes from your thermostat to your air conditioner's compressor. The switch turns off the compressor just as if you had manually adjusted your thermostat setting to a high enough temperature to turn your air conditioner off for a few minutes yourself. That's the simple part of the switch. Your switch is also a radio that receives the control signal from us. Your thermostat works the same way, except the radio is built in to the thermostat.
My switch/thermostat has a label that says there will be a 3 to 7 minute delay after a power interruption. What does this mean?
This is one of the safety features. After a power interruption (outage) to the air conditioning unit or heat pump, the compressor is not allowed to operate for 3 to 7 minutes to prevent short cycling, which could damage the compressor.
I'm having a new air conditioner or heat pump installed in my house, what should I do?
Call us toll-free at 1-866-857-COOL (2665) to let us know. We will arrange to have your switch installed on your new air conditioner or heat pump.
With the thermostat, you don't need to do anything. This top of the line thermostat is compatible with virtually all units on the market.
Does the Demand Conservation switch work on other appliances?
Yes, it does. If you have an electric water heater, we will install a Demand Conservation device and pay you $2 per summer month (June through September) per water heater. If you are interested in adding your water heater to the program, please sign up or call us toll-free at 1-866-857-COOL (2665).
I'm moving to a new house, what should I do?
Call us toll free at 1-866-857-COOL (2665). We can arrange for a switch or thermostat to be installed on the unit at your new house.
How do I sign up a neighbor or friend for the Demand Conservation program?
Have your friend, relative, or neighbor visit this site to sign up online or call us toll free at 1-866-857-COOL (2665) to sign up.
If you have any questions or comments, call us toll free at 1-866-857-COOL (2665).
The Demand Conservation switch is a small radio receiver that is mounted near your outdoor air conditioning unit. It's used to help reduce your peak demand for energy helping us to keep down the cost of electricity — all at no cost to you. Plus, you receive a credit on your electric bills during the summer months (June, July, August and September).
What is a Demand Conservation Programmable Thermostat? This top of the line programmable thermostat has a built in radio receiver and works exactly like the switch option. The 5-1-1 day thermostat can be programmed with up to four temperature settings each day. Used properly, the thermostat can help you reduce your year-round heating and cooling bill by 10% - 20% each year.
Who will install my Demand Conservation switch or thermostat? We have contracted with GoodCents to install our switches and thermostats at no cost to you. GoodCents is a company that specializes in the installation of these demand-saving devices and maintains all of the necessary licenses, permits and insurance. They have a proven track record of providing high quality installations and superior customer service.
How do I sign up to get my Demand Conservation Switch?
You can sign up online (LG&E, KU), by email or by calling 1-866-857-COOL (2665).
When will I receive my first credit on my bill if I chose the switch option?
The first June, July, August or September bill you receive after the switch is installed on your home should include the $5 credit. Please allow several days after the installation for us to process your paperwork.
How will my Demand Conservation switch or thermostat work?
During periods of peak energy use in the summer months, a radio signal is sent to your switch or thermostat to activate it. This signal will interrupt the flow of electricity to the compressor on your air conditioner or heat pump for a few minutes each half-hour. This is what reduces the peak demand for energy, helping to keep down the cost of electricity.
Does that mean my home will get hot?
You should notice little, if any, difference in your home's indoor air temperature. Our experience has been that customers see little difference in overall comfort level. Programs similar to this have been in existence since the early 1980s, implemented by other large electric utilities, and customers rarely, if ever, notice any difference in their indoor air temperature.
How often will my switch or thermostat be activated?
We will call for activation only on summer days when demand for electricity reaches a peak. Typically, cycling will occur for a few hours on no more than 20 days all summer, during the late afternoon and early evening. Your switch will be activated on weekends or holidays only in the event of a system emergency.
How long after I sign-up before my switch or thermostat be installed?
Generally within three to four weeks. During certain times of the year, large numbers of customers signing up for the program could result in longer waits for installations.
Do I need to be home when my switch or thermostat is installed?
You do not need to be home during installation if you choose the switch option. Just be sure any gates that provide access to your outside air conditioning unit are unlocked and that there is not a lock on the electrical disconnect box located beside your air conditioning unit.
Because the thermostat is installed INSIDE your home, we do require that an adult be present during the installation if you choose the thermostat option. We will schedule a convenient time for your installation.
How do I know if my switch or thermostat is activated or is working properly?
Your switch has a window on the front of it. A light (either red or yellow) will show in the window when the switch has been activated. The light will be on during the few minutes that electricity is being interrupted to the compressor. When the light goes out, electricity will be restored to the compressor, and cooling will continue. This process will repeat every thirty minutes during the period the switch is activated. A green light may be on, off or momentarily flash, indicating that the switch is testing itself.
With the thermostat, during activation the large LCD screen will display "SAVE".
Please do not hesitate to contact us at 1-866-857-COOL (2665) anytime you have a question about your switch or your thermostat.
If my switch fails or is damaged, will it prevent my air conditioner or my heat from working?
Your switch is an extremely reliable piece of equipment with a failure rate of well below 1%. It is designed to allow your cooling or heating to continue to work in the unlikely event of a failure. The switch fails in a positive mode, which means your cooling or heating will continue to operate normally even in the unlikely event the switch does fail.
I'm having a problem with my air conditioner or heating system not operating properly. What should I do? Is there someone I can call to make sure that it's not related to my switch or thermostat?
First, you should check your circuit breaker or fuses to make sure that's not the problem. Next, double check the thermostat to be sure it's set properly. If all of that is okay, you can call toll-free 1-866-857-COOL (2665) anytime. We can often help you determine the problem over the phone. If there is a problem with the switch or thermostat, we will send a technician to your home right away to make any necessary corrections.
What if my heating and air conditioning company's service technician recommends that I have my switch disconnected or my thermostat removed?
While we have attempted to educate heating and air conditioning contractors about the program, they may, on occasion, recommend it be removed or disconnected. Please have your service technician call us at 1-866-857-COOL (2665) before allowing them to proceed with disconnection or removal. We have worked with the equipment manufacturers during the design of this device and program, and you can be assured your switch or thermostat will not harm your air conditioner or heat pump in any way, and it will not affect your equipment's warranty.
Exactly how does my switch or the switch in my thermostat cut power off to my air conditioner compressor?
The switch is connected to the low voltage wire (24 volts) that goes from your thermostat to your air conditioner's compressor. The switch turns off the compressor just as if you had manually adjusted your thermostat setting to a high enough temperature to turn your air conditioner off for a few minutes yourself. That's the simple part of the switch. Your switch is also a radio that receives the control signal from us. Your thermostat works the same way, except the radio is built in to the thermostat.
My switch/thermostat has a label that says there will be a 3 to 7 minute delay after a power interruption. What does this mean?
This is one of the safety features. After a power interruption (outage) to the air conditioning unit or heat pump, the compressor is not allowed to operate for 3 to 7 minutes to prevent short cycling, which could damage the compressor.
I'm having a new air conditioner or heat pump installed in my house, what should I do?
Call us toll-free at 1-866-857-COOL (2665) to let us know. We will arrange to have your switch installed on your new air conditioner or heat pump.
With the thermostat, you don't need to do anything. This top of the line thermostat is compatible with virtually all units on the market.
Does the Demand Conservation switch work on other appliances?
Yes, it does. If you have an electric water heater, we will install a Demand Conservation device and pay you $2 per summer month (June through September) per water heater. If you are interested in adding your water heater to the program, please sign up or call us toll-free at 1-866-857-COOL (2665).
I'm moving to a new house, what should I do?
Call us toll free at 1-866-857-COOL (2665). We can arrange for a switch or thermostat to be installed on the unit at your new house.
How do I sign up a neighbor or friend for the Demand Conservation program?
Have your friend, relative, or neighbor visit this site to sign up online or call us toll free at 1-866-857-COOL (2665) to sign up.
If you have any questions or comments, call us toll free at 1-866-857-COOL (2665).