Appliance Cycling

Keep your cool - and your cash!

When Midwestern summers bring 90 degree temperatures and high humidity levels, the huge demand for electricity puts a big strain on power plants.

With Alliant Energy's Appliance Cycling program, you can help us meet electricity needs during peak demand times - and we'll pay you for participating!

View Alliant Energy's Appliance Cycling Notification page

Questions and answers about Appliance Cycling

Iowa Appliance Cycling brochure [PDF]

Online enrollment form

How does Appliance Cycling work?

When you sign up for the program, we'll send a contractor to install a small, radio-activated control switch on or near your outdoor central air conditioner at no cost to you.

If the demand for electricity escalates to a critical point, a "system emergency" or "peak alert" is announced, and we'll turn on the radio signal that activates the switch on your air conditioner. The receiver will be activated to cycle the outdoor cooling unit off and on every 15 minutes.

The switch will cycle your air conditioner, while the furnace fan continues to circulate the cooler, drier air already in your home. You'll stay cool and comfortable, your electric bill stays low and the environment can breathe a little easier.

The program runs from May 15 to September 15. Cycling events typically occur Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and never on weekends or holidays.

What's in it for me?

Not only will you reduce your energy costs, Alliant Energy will pay you an $8 credit on your June through September bills — whether we cycle your air conditioner or not!

Plus, if you have an electric water heater, and allow us to cycle it during peak periods, we'll credit an additional $2 to your monthly bill.

You can save $40 per year during the summer and significantly reduce your energy costs, all without sacrificing your comfort and convenience.

Why do you want to cycle my appliances?

Without your participation in the Appliance Cycling program, we might need to purchase electricity from other providers during peak demand times, usually at a premium price, which could ultimately increase your utility bill.

If electricity isn't available from other producers, the excess demand quickly drains the capacity of the electric system, resulting in lower voltage or even outages.

That's why your involvement in the Appliance Cycling program is so important. Because of you, we're better able to provide uninterrupted service to our customers.

How do I qualify?

This program is available to all residential Alliant Energy-IPL electric customers in Iowa.

• You must own your home, have a central air conditioner and receive retail electric service from Alliant Energy-IPL.
• Installation is only allowed at your primary residence.
• Participation is limited — control receivers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

How do I sign up?

Call 1-866-255-4268 to sign up with one of our marketing representatives; or complete and submit the Appliance Cycling online enrollment form.

Do I need to sign up each year?

No. If you were in the program last year, you do not need to sign up again. You will automatically receive the savings again this summer.

Appliance Cycling Q&A

What are peak periods?

Peak periods occur when temperatures are forecasted to be 90 degrees or above and/or electric demand is expected to reach 90 percent of peak. Peak demand times usually occur between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., but they may also happen at other times of the day.

Is there a special cost for the receiver?

There is NO COST to you for the installation or removal of the radio control switch.

Will I notice a temperature difference?

Your outdoor unit will turn on and off when your air conditioner is cycling. However, your furnace fan will continue to operate as long as the thermostat fan switch is in the “auto” or “on” position and the thermostat calls for cooling.

Temperature and humidity levels may increase slightly, but not enough to make a noticeable difference.

What do the lights on the cycling switch mean?

A red light indicates the switch has received a signal to cycle. Also, if power to the switch has been interrupted - such as a breaker being shut off and turned back on - the red light will come on and go back off within five minutes. This is a safety precaution that all the switches have.

A green light (solid or blinking) is only a communication light and will not affect the air conditioner's ability to cool.

How long will my appliances be off?

Central air conditioners will be cycled every 15 minutes on and off. Cycling will take place no longer than six hours in one day. Cycling typically occurs Monday through Friday from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. and never on weekends or holidays. Your furnace fan, however, will continue to operate as long as the thermostat fan switch is in the “auto” or “on” position and the thermostat is calling for cooling.

Water heaters are shut off during the entire control period, not to exceed six hours per day.

What happens if I move?

The cycling switch is the property of Alliant Energy-IPL and remains installed on the premises. Please let us know when you will be moving. If you would like a switch installed at your new home, please contact our Customer Service Center at 1-800-ALLIANT (255-4268) to request a new switch.