Power Shut Down Boxes on A/C's

[Kevin Weaver]

In Indianapoils the power co. installs these boxes that the can remotly shut off your A/C . My questions are
1) What is the range of cut off. I heard that it was 10 min. and hour!
2) Are these in other cities?

[ezoffshore]

Around here you can enroll in a program with the utility to get a reduced electric rate if you are using a heatpump or other form of electric heat. This also requires you to install a seperate meter to measuer only the amount of electricity used by the heatpump and also install another box that allows the utility to disconnect that device from the service during times of peak demand. Personally I dont think I will be enrolling as I dont like the idea of having the utility company having control over my personal comfort. I dont know if that program also applies to straight A/C or not but if you are in a high electricity demand area, it is something that they may require to reduce peak demand load on an aging grid to avoid brownout conditions.

[Mstrav]

2) yes

They are the energy management system and usually you get a break on your bill to install one, call the power company and ask them this, people here would be guessing unless they are from your town.

matt

[Jabarco]

In Indianapoils the power co. installs these boxes that the can remotly shut off your A/C . My questions are
1) What is the range of cut off. I heard that it was 10 min. and hour!
2) Are these in other cities?

We got those cycling device here in Southern California too. It's a small unit that is attached to the outside of an air conditioner and is activated by a remote radio signal, which it allows the utility company to temporarily turn off, or "cycle," your air conditioner when they need to.

Jabs

[Kevin Weaver]

But what is the amount of time they say they do this? Any ideas?

[Jabarco]

But what is the amount of time they say they do this? Any ideas?

The Southern California Edison Company here offers 3 different options:

Jabs

[nh3rules]

Some locations do 15 min on /15 min off others do it 20/on-20/off depends on power company,and the public utilities commision.

[t527ed]

we have had them in our area for probably 15 yrs.

[shodinjido]

I know that Kissimmee Florida has these things around.

I went on tons of service calls because people didn't realize the power company had shut their unit down

[Mr Bill]

Yep we use to have them in Houston they always seemed to turn off at the perfect time
when Momma sticks a roast in the oven.
Personally I don't like them but to each their own.

[bwalton]

I used to get power from IPALCO and had the power controller box installed on my AC. Information is available at http://www.iplpower.com/ipl/index?pa...8f72b73100770d If memory serves they said the AC would only be shut down during the day Monday - Friday for no more than 15 minutes an hour. Since I worked during that timeframe, it seemed to be a good thing. Even when I was home on vacation, I never noticed any comfort issues during the hot days.

[no_klu]

The system is being used in Toronto ON Canada as well. Called Peak saver. Google it for info.

[kevinmac]

I have them installed for both my hot water heater and AC. My power company says only when needed will the cycle the power. When they do it 's for 15 minutes. For the 15 years I have had these units not once have I seen them activated. The ones we use have an LED arrangement. When red the unit is active. I get a credit for the installation.