Power Saver™ Program
Free Thermostats—Details

How it Works
Austin Energy provides you with a free programmable thermostat plus free installation and warranty—valued between $200 and $280. In return, you allow us to cycle off your air conditioner briefly during peak demand—when demand for electricity is highest.

Cycling Off During Peak Demand Periods
Cycling off only occurs the few days each summer when the demand for electricity and our load are the highest. A radio-controlled switch on the thermostat cycles off your air conditioner compressor when it receives a signal from Austin Energy.

Cycling off is not noticeable. The purpose of cycling is to synchronize air conditioners so they take turns cycling on. This keeps the electric demand level.

Benefits of Participation

	Free air conditioning check to determine compatibility with this type of programmable thermostat—includes a visual inspection of your air conditioner
	Free programmable thermostat—set it by hand or program it anywhere, anytime you have Internet access
	Free customer service support every day, 24 hours a day; free repair or replacement of your thermostat as long as you participate in the Free Thermostat program
	Depending on thermostat settings, most customers save 10% to 20% on their energy bill year-round with a programmable thermostat
	Year-round comfort—arrive at an already cooled or heated building
	A protective time delay to allow coolant to reset before equipment powers back up after a cycling session or a power outage
	Risk-free, satisfaction guaranteed participation—if you are ever dissatisfied, we will remove the free programmable thermostat and reinstall your old thermostat at no charge
	Standardize all your thermostats
	Lock boxes at no cost for businesses if requested prior to thermostat installation

Eligibility
Any Austin Energy residential or commercial electric customer with standard-type air conditioners—split systems, package units, or heat pumps—may apply. The heater component may be either gas or electric.

Required System Specifications
	Air conditioning equipment 10 tons or less—air conditioning greater than 10 tons will require an inspection
	Air conditioning equipment must not be controlled by another automation system
	Air conditioning equipment must be in reasonably good mechanical condition
	Thermostat installation is contingent on meeting additional technical specifications, which will be qualified in a telephone or site interview

Leased residential facilities require a Rental Release Form (pdf) signed by the owner/agent.

Power Saver™ Program—Saving Energy Together