(LEXINGTON, Ky.) — To help customers lower their energy usage year-round, Kentucky Utilities Company is offering programmable thermostats, including installation, as an option to new Demand Conservation customers in Lexington. The thermostats are free of charge, on a first-come, first-served basis.

The thermostats are equipped with technology that allows KU to safely cycle central air conditioners off and on for brief periods during peak usage days during the summer — similar to the traditional Demand Conservation 'switch' that is installed on central air conditioning units.

Customers interested in the Demand Conservation program now have two ways to participate. They may choose the traditional Demand Conservation switch and receive a credit on their utility bill of $5 per month (up to $20 annually) for each of the summer months (June, July, August and September) per central air conditioning unit.

As an alternative, customers may choose the free programmable thermostat option which does not include a bill credit. However, the thermostat provides potential for customers to save significantly more than the $20 annual credit by gaining better control over energy usage.

"Helping our customers cope with higher energy prices involves giving them more energy-saving options," said Dave Vogel, E.ON U.S. Vice President of Retail Services. "The free programmable thermostat choice will help our customers control energy costs regardless of the season."

Customers who do not receive one of the first 5,000 Demand Conservation thermostats will be added to a waiting list to receive one later in the year.

KU customers can call 1-866-857-COOL (2665), or visit www.eon-us.com/dc for more information or to enroll in the Demand Conservation program. KU's Demand Conservation contractor will follow-up with customers to schedule an installation time.

Eligible customers must have central air conditioning and not be currently enrolled in the Demand Conservation program. For more information on other energy-savings and heating assistance programs, visit www.eon-us.com.

Kentucky Utilities Company, based in Lexington, is committed to serving communities by producing reliable, low-cost electric energy. The company provides electricity to more than one-half million customers in 77 Kentucky counties and five counties in Virginia. KU is a part of E.ON U.S., headquartered in Louisville, KY.