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Power Manager® FAQs

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What is the toll-free number to enroll or to ask questions about Power Manager?

The toll-free number to enroll or ask questions is 1-877-392-4848.

What are the rewards for participating in Power Manager?

Depending on the Power Manager option you choose, you will receive a one-time $25 or $35 installation credit on your bill. You will also receive credits for each cycling event that occurs. The credit amount for each event is based on the price of electricity at the time we cycle your air conditioner and the length of the cycling event. Power Manager customers will receive an annual minimum of either $5 or $8 in credits (depending upon their enrollment option) for participating in the program during the months May through September each year.

What are my participation and incentive options?

There are two options to choose from:

Option A: One-time installation credit of $25
During cycling periods, a few days each summer, your air conditioner will be turned off-and-on a portion of each half hour. Temperature changes during the cycling event are minimal. This option is recommended if you are home during the day. A minimum of $5 will be credited each year if you choose this option, even if there are no cycling events.

Option B: One-time installation credit of $35
During cycling periods, a few days each summer, your air conditioner will be turned off-and stay off a few minutes longer each half hour than with Option A. Because your air conditioning unit is cycled off for a few additional minutes, the temperature in your home during the cycling event may increase approximately 3 or 4 degrees above the thermostat setting. This option is a good choice for those who are away from home during the day. A minimum of $8 will be credited each year if you choose this option, even if there are no cycling events.

Does the program decrease my electric bill?

Typically, the energy usage on your bill remains the same since you are simply shifting your air conditioning usage to a different time of day. However, the amount on your bill will be reduced by the installation and participation credits. For tips on how to decrease your summer air conditioning costs and increase your comfort, see our Power Manager Cool Tips (pdf, 69 KB).

How can I help save the environment and help keep electric costs low?

Reducing the amount of time your air conditioner runs during peak demand periods helps Duke Energy reduce the use of less efficient and more expensive power sources needed to meet electricity demand. This helps the environment and lowers overall energy costs. In addition, it helps delay the need to build additional power plants.

What is peak electric demand?

Demand is the amount of electricity needed at any given time. Power usage fluctuates hourly due to weather conditions, business hours of commercial and industrial companies and residential electric usage. When this combined demand is at its highest, it’s called the peak.

How does Power Manager work?

When you enroll, a free load management device will be installed next to your air conditioner on the outside of your home. On days when demand for power is especially high, the radio-controlled device turns your outdoor air conditioning unit off for a portion of each half hour and then automatically turns it back on.

At what times will my AC be cycled?

Power Manager is designed for use on summer days when demand for electricity reaches peak levels. Cycling events are most likely to occur Monday through Friday, in the afternoon to early evening during the months of May through September. Your AC will not be controlled on weekends or holidays, except in the rare event of a system emergency.

What happens during a cycling event?

When Power Manager is activated, your air conditioner is cycled off and then back on each half hour for the length of the cycling event. Events typically last two to three and a half hours. To help keep temperatures in your home comfortable, the indoor fan continues to run to circulate air.

How often will my air conditioner be cycled each summer?

Cycling events may occur a few times per month during the months of May through September when electricity demand reaches peak levels. If the weather is mild, cycling may not occur at all.

How long after I sign up will my switch be installed?

Generally, your switch will be installed within 30 to 60 days after you enroll.

Do I need to be home for the switch installation?

You do not need to be home when your switch is installed. However, if you tell us that you have a locked gate or arrangements are needed for any animals, we will notify you 24 hours in advance of our installation schedule.

When will I receive my credits on my Duke Energy bill?

You will see the installation credit on your Duke Energy bill one to two months after your installation date. Credits for cycling events appear on your monthly bill one to two months following the date when the events occurred.

How do I enroll?

To enroll by phone, please call 1-877-392-4848.

To sign up now, please complete the online registration form.

What if I don’t want a Power Manager event to occur on a certain day?

You may opt out of a Power Manager event one day per calendar month – May through September. To opt out, you must notify us at least 24 hours prior to the day you choose by calling 1-877-392-4848.

How do I know if my air conditioner is being cycled?

Simply call 800-832-3169 to hear if a Power Manager event is underway.

The temperature in my home is warmer than normal and I am not sure if my air conditioner is working properly. Should I call my air conditioning contractor?

If your home seems warmer than you expect, first call 1-800-832-3169 to hear a message on our cycling status. If your air conditioner is being cycled, it is normal for the home to gain a few degrees during the event. After the cycling period ends, your air conditioner may run continuously until your home reaches your thermostat temperature.

If you feel your air conditioner is not working properly, please call 1-877-392-4848 and a qualified technician can help you determine if a service call from your air conditioning contractor is needed.

What if my heating and air conditioning company's service technician recommends that I have my switch disconnected or removed?

Please have the service technician call 1-877-392-4848 before allowing them to proceed.

I'm having a new air conditioner or heat pump installed in my house. What should I do?

Before the new unit is installed, please call us at 1-877-392-4848. We will arrange to have your switch reinstalled so it operates your new air conditioner or heat pump.

I'm moving to a new house. What should I do?

Before you move, please call us at 1-877-392-4848. We can arrange for a switch to be installed on the air conditioner at your new house. We will also contact the new owner of your previous house to enroll them in the Power Manager program.

What is the toll-free number to enroll or to ask questions about Power Manager?

The toll-free number to enroll or ask questions is 1-877-392-4848. You may also e-mail additional questions about the program to dukepowermanager@goodcents.com.