Energy Optimizer
FAQs
- Why does KCP&L offer this program?
- Who is eligible to enroll in the Energy Optimizer program?
- If I live in Kansas and have already enrolled on the program, will I still be able to participate in the program?
- Can I participate in the program if I have a window unit?
- Can I apply for the Energy Optimizer if I have a heat pump?
- If I don't own the house or business property, can I still enroll?
- Will I be uncomfortable if you cycle my A/C, especially when it is very hot?
- What is a cycling event?
- How does this program help the environment, reduce the cost of power and save energy?
- Can I save money using the Energy Optimizer program?
- What are the "recommended settings" for cooling in the summertime?
- If I don't have Internet in my home, can I still control my thermostat remotely?
- If I temporarily lose power to my home, will the thermostat clock need resetting?
- If I lose power to the thermostat, will my HVAC system work?
- I checked online which said my home was set at 78 degrees. Then, when I arrived home, my thermostat read 74 degrees. What is wrong?
- My thermostat display is flashing between the temperature and a message to call an 800 number. What does this mean?
- Can I change my thermostat during a summer control event?
- If I change my thermostat setting from the Web site, how long does it take to be displayed on my thermostat?
- How do I know that KCP&L is sending a signal to my thermostat?
- How will KCP&L know what my thermostat settings are?
- How do I request that my equipment not be adjusted for a particular date?
- If I am unhappy with the Energy Optimizer, can I stop being part of the program?
- Do I have to adjust my thermostat or change other settings to participate in the program?
- My A/C unit needs to be serviced, repaired or tested. What do I need to do to temporarily disable the Energy Optimizer from the power-saving schedule?
- Does the thermostat address daylight savings time?
- Is there someone to talk to when I have questions or problems?
Why does KCP&L offer this program?
We are continually looking for ways to help our customers conserve electricity to ensure clean, available and affordable energy. Programs like the Energy Optimizer help reduce the summer peak demand, which in turn helps keep our costs down and your rates affordable. The Energy Optimizer program is part of the Comprehensive Energy Plan.
Who is eligible to enroll in the Energy Optimizer program?
KCP&L Missouri residential and small commercial customers are eligible to apply for the Energy Optimizer program. Required air conditioning system specifications:
- Customer must have central air conditioning (A/C). (Window units are not eligible).
- Equipment must be in good mechanical condition.
- System must be pre-qualified by a KCP&L authorized technician.
Note: Existing thermostats will be left with the customer. If the customer elects to discontinue the program, our technician will replace the Optimizer programmable thermostat with the old thermostat, at no charge.
If I live in Kansas and have already enrolled on the program, will I still be able to participate in the program?
Kansas customers currently on the program may keep thermostats already installed in the home. Maintenance for thermostats is still available and customers can still program their thermostats online. Customers also will still be cycled this summer during normal cycling events.
Can I participate in the program if I have a window unit?
No, this technology works only on central air-conditioning systems.
Can I apply for the Energy Optimizer if I have a heat pump?
Our thermostats work with most heat pumps. We will schedule an appointment to have a professional technician pre-qualify your equipment free of charge.
If I don't own the house or business property, can I still enroll?
Yes, all we need is authorization from the owner.
Will I be uncomfortable if you cycle my A/C, especially when it is very hot?
According to an independent survey of our 2006 and 2007 Summer Partners, most people did not notice a difference in the indoor air temperature during a cycling event. The fan on your air conditioner continues to run, causing minimal change in comfort, if any.
As an additional convenience, Optimizer partners may elect to be on a pre-cool list. By calling (866) 882-4429 or checking the pre-cool option online, customers have the option to pre-cool their home or business. They can choose to pre-cool either two or four degrees one hour before a cycling event. Below is an example of cycling with a four-degree pre-cool.
What is a cycling event?
KCP&L sends a paging signal to the thermostat to turn the air-conditioning compressor off in 15-minute intervals over a period of no more than four hours. This is a slight time expansion to the normal cycling of your air-conditioning compressor.
During a cycling event, how often is my A/C cycled off and on by KCP&L?
The outside air-conditioning compressor is cycled every 15 minutes:
- Over a period of no more than 4 hours
- Only on weekdays (Mon. - Fri.)
- Only during the summer months (May - Sept)
- Never on holidays
- Never on weekends
How does this program help the environment, reduce the cost of power and save energy?
Partners may adjust the Energy Optimizer programmable thermostat using four categories: Leave, Return, Sleep and Wake. The Environmental Protection Agency states that programmable thermostats can produce year-round savings of 20 percent or higher. By actively taking steps to reduce energy consumption in your home, you reduce the amount of pollutants released in the atmosphere.
Currently, over 35,000 Energy Optimizer partners are making a significant contribution to conserving electricity, reducing our summer peak demand, and therefore improving the environment. Our goal by the end of 2011 is to partner with 80,000 customers, which will allow us to offset an entire peaking generator.
With your help, we can reduce the demand on the electrical system by approximately one kilowatt per home. This means we will reduce the amount of electricity we import at higher prices, and delay the need to build new, expensive power plants. These efforts help conserve electricity and the environment today and for future generations, as well as keep rates stable.
Can I save money using the Energy Optimizer program?
You can save energy when you program your thermostat to set temperatures back during times when you are away from home and at night, and that can mean significant savings on your electric bill. Programmable thermostats save approximately 20 percent with proper use. For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.
What are the "recommended settings" for cooling in the summertime?
Suggested settings for optimum savings:
Monday - Friday
Wake: 7 a.m. = 78 degrees
Leave: 9 a.m. = 80 degrees
Return: 7 p.m. = 78 degrees
Sleep: 10 p.m. = 80 degrees
Saturday & Sunday
Wake: 7 a.m. = 78 degrees
Sleep: 10 p.m. = 80 degrees
If I don't have Internet in my home, can I still control my thermostat remotely?
Yes, Optimizer partners can log on to the secure Web site from any computer that has Internet access, such as at work, the library, a friend's home, or an Internet Cafe.
If I temporarily lose power to my home, will the thermostat clock need resetting?
No. Back-up AA batteries maintain the thermostat clock and program. We recommend replacing the batteries yearly.
If I lose power to the thermostat, will my HVAC system work?
No. If there is no power, the electric HVAC system will not operate. Once power returns, the thermostat will return the HVAC system to the pre-event settings.
I checked online which said my home was set at 78 degrees. Then, when I arrived home, my thermostat read 74 degrees. What is wrong?
Any changes made using the Web site are maintained and displayed on the Web site. Changes made directly at the thermostat will not automatically update online settings. So, if someone changed the setting manually, it would not show up online. If you have questions about this function, please call our toll-free number, (866) 882-4429.
My thermostat display is flashing between the temperature and a message to call a toll-free number. What does this mean?
A problem has occurred with the connections of the programmable thermostat and may be causing a problem with the settings, or may prevent you from changing the settings online. Please call the Energy Optimizer toll-free number (866) 882-4429.
Can I change my thermostat during a summer control event?
Any changes that customers make to their settings during the cycling or ramping event (four hours or less), will not immediately take effect. The new settings will go into effect at the end of the event period.
There is an exception, however. If the customer decides to turn off the A/C or raise the temperature during an event period, resulting in less energy use, the change will be accepted by the thermostat.
If I change my thermostat setting from the Web site, how long does it take to display on my thermostat?
The average time is less than one minute.
How do I know that KCP&L is sending a signal to my thermostat?
The word SAVING will be lit on the thermostat's display screen during the cycling event period.
How will KCP&L know what my thermostat settings are?
KCP&L does not know what thermostat setting you have selected.
How do I request that my equipment not be adjusted for a particular date?
Optimizer Partners can opt out once per month. If you would like to opt out on a particular date, you can either call our toll-free number (866) 882-4429, or log on to your account at kcpl.com and select the Energy Optimizer link.
If I am unhappy with the Energy Optimizer, can I stop being part of the program?
Yes. If you are not satisfied for any reason, please call our toll-free number at (866) 882-4429 to speak with a representative. We can arrange to send someone to your home or business to replace the Optimizer thermostat with your original thermostat, at no cost to you.
Do I have to adjust my thermostat or change other settings to participate in the program?
No. Participating in the program is easy. Our only request is that you allow KCP&L to send a signal to your thermostat during peak summer weekdays, when electricity demand is high. The thermostat will never receive a signal from KCP&L on weekends or holidays, or for a period lasting more than 4 hours.
My A/C unit needs to be serviced, repaired or tested. What do I need to do to temporarily disable the Energy Optimizer from the power saving schedule?
Call an Energy Optimizer representative at (866) 882-4429 to suspend the cycling schedule for that day.
Does the thermostat address daylight savings time?
The Honeywell thermostat does not automatically change for daylight savings time. Therefore, you must manually reset the clock. Select the "Set Clock/Day" feature on your thermostat to make the change.
Is there someone to talk to when I have questions or problems?
Any question can be directed to the Energy Optimizer Call Center at (866) 882-4429.