Appliance Cycling

Available in select Wisconsin communities

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

View a list of eligible Wisconsin communities [PDF]

Questions and answers about Appliance Cycling

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 switch will cycle your air conditioner on and off, 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 June 1 to September 30. We will cycle air conditioners off only in the case of a system emergency. Your air conditioner will only be cycled between the hours of 10 a.m. through 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. Never on weekends or holidays.

What's in it for me?

Not only will you lower your electricity usage, Alliant Energy will pay you an incentive whenever we cycle your air conditioner.

• 100% option: Your air conditioner will be off up to six continuous hours; you'll receive an $8 credit per cycling event.
• 75% option: Your air conditioner will be off 22.5 minutes of each half-hour, up to six hours; you'll receive a $5 credit per cycling event.
• 50% option: Your air conditioner will be off 15 minutes of each half hour, up to six hours; you'll receive a $2 credit per cycling event.

You'll receive a bill credit for all events during the season which will appear on your October or November billing statement.

Why do you want to cycle my air conditioner?

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 participation 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?

• You must own your home, have a central air conditioner and receive retail electric service from Alliant Energy.
• Participation is limited; View a list of eligible Wisconsin communities [PDF], control receivers will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Alliant Energy will cycle a maximum of two central air conditioning units per household.
• Installation is only allowed at your primary residence.

How do I sign up?

Call 1-800-ALLIANT (255-4268), to sign up with one of our customer service 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 forecast to be 90 degrees or above and/or electric demand is expected to reach 90 percent of peak.

Peak demand times usually occur between 3-9 p.m., but can also happen at other times of day. Your air conditioner will only be cycled between the hours of 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., Monday through Friday. Cycling will not occur on weekend or holidays.

Your air conditioner will be cycled no more than six days during the four-month control period [June-September].

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 in my home?

Your outdoor unit will turn on and off when we are cycling your air conditioner. 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.

What happens if I move?

The cycling switch is the property of Alliant Energy-WPL 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.

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