Heat wave prompts Alliant to begin appliance cycling

Alliant Energy used its appliance cycling program Monday, June 6, for the first time this year because of the surge in power demand for air conditioning caused by the recent heat wave.

The program will be used to cycle air conditioners and water heaters in 15-minute intervals between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. to reduce overall energy usage. Only customers enrolled in the program north of I-80 are affected.

Customers participating in the air conditioner cycling program receiving a bill discount of $8 per month from June through September whether their air conditioner is cycled or not. Participants in the water heater cycling program receive a $2 per month discount. The furnace fans are not shut off during the cycling period, allowing them to continue circulating the cooler, drier air inside the house.

Appliance cycling is not undertaken on weekends or holidays. It usually occurs on weekdays between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. during heavy electric demand periods between May 15 and Sept. 15.