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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 1-888-463-5022.

What are the rewards for participating in Power Manager?

You will receive an $8 credit per month on your electric bill from July through October. That’s an annual savings of $32. Plus, your participation helps reduce the use of less efficient and more expensive power sources during peak summer electricity demand. This helps the environment and lowers overall energy costs.

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 four monthly credits. For tips on how to decrease your summer air conditioning costs and increase your comfort, see our Power Manager Cool Tips.

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 June 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 June 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 receive the credits for the months of July, August, September, and October. 

What months do you install Power Manager devices?

We install Power Manager devices all year long. Even though you earn the credits during the summer months, don’t wait until warm weather arrives to have your device installed. Having the device installed in cooler months ensures that your device will be installed and you won’t have to wait to start receiving monthly credits.

How do I enroll?

To enroll by phone, please call 1-888-463-5022.

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 your local HVAC dealer.

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 1-888-463-5022 before allowing them to proceed.

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

After the installation is complete, please call 1-888-463-5022 and request to have the Power Manager device reconnected.  There is no charge for this service. 

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

Before you move, please call Duke Energy at 1-800-777-9898. We can arrange for a switch to be installed on the air conditioner at your new house.

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 1-888-463-5022.