Power Manager® FAQs

The toll-free number to enroll or ask questions is 1-888-463-5022.

You will receive an $8 credit per month on your electric bill from July through October. That’s an annual savings of $32.

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.

Reducing air conditioning usage during peak demand periods, along with other conservation measures, helps preserve the environment by delaying the need to build additional power plants in our communities. In addition, it helps keep electric costs low.

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.

When you enroll, Duke Energy will install a free load management switch device 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 only a few minutes each half hour and then automatically turns it back on.

Power Manager is designed for summer days when demand for electricity reaches a peak. When these cycling events occur, they are most likely to be; Monday through Friday, mid-morning to early evening during the summer months of June through September. Your switch will not be activated on weekends or holidays, except in the event of a system emergency.

During peak demand hours, your air conditioner is cycled off and then back on, approximately one time each half hour for the length of the cycling event (which may last about four to six hours). To help keep temperatures in your home comfortable, the indoor fan continues to run to circulate air.

Cycling events may occur a few times per month during the months of June through September. In some years, cycling events have occurred on six to ten days.  The number of events depends on the type of summer we're experiencing. If the summer is mild, cyling may not occur at all.

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

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.

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

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.

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

You will need to locate the Power Manager switch near the outdoor unit of your air conditioner. A red light will be illuminated on the front panel of the switch when the switch has been activated. The light will remain on during the time that your compressor is cycled off. When the light goes out, the switch has been deactivated and the compressor will run when the thermostat calls for cooling.

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.

Please have the service technician call 1-888-463-5022 before allowing them to proceed.

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. 

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.

The toll-free number to enroll or ask questions is 1-888-463-5022.