Hot conditions prompt Alliant Energy to cycle appliances

Alliant Energy said it will cycle air conditioners between 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. today to reduce overall energy use because of hot conditions.

The announcement will affect customers in the company's appliance cycling program that live in a band from just south of Highway 20 to just north of I-80. Communities included are Cedar Rapids, Marshalltown, Clinton, Grinnell and Newton.

Participating customers save $8 per month on their electric bills. Their air conditioners are cycled on and off in 15-minute intervals to reduce peak electric demand. The program does not interrupt operation of the furnace fan in the home, which continues to move the drier, cooler air in the house.

A similar program that pays $2 per month for water heater cycling will also be activated today, the company said. It is the first activation of both programs this year. They can be used to reduce peak demand when necessary between June and September.