Enrollment
1. Who is eligible?
If you own your home, have central air conditioning and live in SPU’s service area you can enroll.
2. How can I sign up?
By returning a signed application form you are indication a desire to participate and have a switch installed at your home. Simply use the printable enrollment form or call customer service at 952.445.1988.
3. When will the program run?
The program is conducted during the summer months of June, July, August and September. Ongoing participation in future summer sessions is assumed as long as you live at your current residence, unless you decide to terminate enrollment.
4. Do I need to be present for the installation?
No. All the technician needs is access to your outdoor AC unit. A typical installation takes approximately 20 minutes. You may request to have the installation performed when you are home.
General Information
1. What does air conditioner “cycling” mean?
Air conditioner (AC) cycling means that, under certain conditions, we send a wireless signal to a switch that we install near the air conditioner’s compressor. The switch allows us to turn your compressor on and off, so it uses less power safely on the hottest days of the summer.
2. How often will Smart Switch devices be activated?
The device may be activated on critical, hot summer days. Cycling may occur any day of the week from June through September. A typical cycling interval will be 15 minutes on and 15 minutes off.
3. Will this program cause my house to get hot?
Your comfort is extremely important to the success of this program. Typically you can expect a 1 to 3 degree increase in room temperature during a cycling period. Your fan stays on to circulate already cooled air, so your home stays comfortable.
4. Will I use less energy by being part of the Smart Switch Program?
Probably not. The program is designed to reduce overall demand for electricity in our community during the hottest days of the summer. This program is not designed to reduce energy usage.
5. How does the annual credit work?
After your switch is installed we will update our billing records to add a $10 credit to your account on your June, July, August and September statements. Switches must be installed by the 15th of June to receive monthly credits.
Switches and Cycles
1. What is the Smart Switch device?
The Smart Switch device is a 9-1/2” x 7” wireless box mounted on the side of your home, near the central air conditioning unit. The device operates with the condenser unit on central air conditioning systems and is not designed for room AC units.
2. Who will install the device?
The device will be installed by a qualified third party electrician that has been specifically trained to install the device. Devices will be inspected randomly to determine they have been installed correctly and are functioning properly.
3. Will the Smart Switch device turn my AC on if it is off?
No. The device will not turn your AC on in order to cycle it. It is designed to only work with AC units that are in operation during system activation.
