Sign up for Prime Time Power Online!
Receive a $5 credit on each of your four summer
electric bills (July, August, September and October) when you sign up for the residential
central air conditioner program.
You'll be helping to keep your electric rates low by delaying the need to purchase and
install new generating equipment. This is a great chance to do something good for Ames -
and save yourself some money!
Moving from one Ames home with a control unit to another
Ames home with a control unit
1. If you choose to remain on the program, do nothing. You are automatically signed up for
Prime Time Power and will begin to receive your $5 credit on your next qualifying summer
bill.
2. If you choose not to remain on the program, please call Customer Service at
515-239-5120
and request that the control unit be removed.
Moving from one Ames home with a control unit to another Ames home without a control unit
1. If you would like a control unit on your air conditioner, fill out the application form
and send it in. You will begin to receive your $5 credit on your next qualifying summer
bill.
2. If you do not want to be on the program, do nothing. Your control unit remains with
your former home.
New resident of Ames in a home with a control unit already installed
1. If you would like to be on the program, do nothing. You are automatically signed up and
will begin to receive your $5 credit on your next qualifying summer bill.
2. If you do not want to be on the program, please call Customer Service at
515-239-5120 and
request that the control unit be removed.
New resident of Ames in a home without a control unit
1. If you would like to be on the program, fill out the application form and send it in.
You will begin to receive your $5 credit on your next qualifying summer bill.
2. If you do not want to be on the program, do nothing. You will not be directly solicited
for participation.
What is Prime Time Power?
Prime Time Power is a Residential Load Management System that lowers the peak demand
for electricity which occurs during hot weather or at times when the price
for power is high. During the summer when the demand
for electricity, or its cost, is very high, radio-controlled switches are used to cycle central air
conditioners off for 7-1/2 minutes out of every 30 minutes. By coordinating the
"off" cycle of all air conditioners equipped with the switches, electric demand
is lowered.
Why is lowering the peak demand important to me?
The City of Ames Electric Services must maintain sufficient generating capacity to
meet the peak demand for electricity even though it occurs on just a few of the hottest
days each summer. As the peak continues to grow, additional equipment may need to be
purchased to meet the demand. Prime Time Power will help delay the purchase of that
equipment, thereby keeping operating costs and your electric rates as low as possible.
In addition, lowering the demand for electricity when it is very expensive
helps control costs by reducing the amount of power purchased.
How do I sign up for Prime Time Power?
Signing up is easy. Just
fill out the form and return it to
the address indicated or
submit form on-line. When the contractor is ready to install your switch, you will
receive a letter informing you that they will be working in your neighborhood.
If I signed up last year, do I need to sign up again this summer?
No. The credit will be automatically applied to your bill four months of each year
unless you move or ask to withdraw from the program.
How many days each summer will the system be used?
The system will be activated on days when electric demand or the price
for power is likely to reach a very high level. This would typically
occur on few days each summer.
Will this device harm my air conditioner?
No. The radio-controlled switch cycles your air conditioner off in the same manner as
your thermostat. The switch will actually protect your air conditioner compressor from
damage, in the event of a power failure, by keeping the compressor from running for six to
nine minutes after power has been restored. This will allow the compressor time to cool
down properly.
Can businesses participate in Prime Time Power?
Yes. As long as your
business has a "residential style" air conditioner with a disconnect switch
mounted outside, you can participate.
Can renters participate in Prime Time Power?
Yes. If you rent a home or apartment with a central air conditioner, you may
participate in Prime Time Power by obtaining permission from the property owner or manager
and having him/her sign the application form on the appropriate line.
Will my air conditioner use less electricity?
No. Cycling the air conditioner off and on does not reduce the amount of electricity
you use - it will only change when it is used.
Will my air conditioner still keep my house cool if I have a switch installed?
Yes. Once the switch is installed, you will probably forget it is there. Since
the air conditioner cycles off for such a brief time, and because the indoor fan will
continue to run, there should be no noticeable
change in indoor comfort - even on the hottest days of summer. This system has been
evaluated in Ames and at other utilities across the country. Tests have found that indoor
temperatures may rise one or two degrees during the "off" cycle, but this is not usually noticeable by occupants
of the home.
Where is the
switch installed?
The radio controlled switch is installed on the outside of your home next to the
disconnect switch for your central air conditioner. The installation is performed by
a licensed electrician under contract to the City of Ames and is done without entering
your home.
Is there a charge for installing the switch?
No. There is no charge for your participation in Prime Time Power. If you decide
that you no longer wish to participate, the switch will be removed at no cost to you.