ComEd’s Central AC Cycling Program

• PDF version of this fact sheet

You can help to reduce electricity demand – and earn automatic credits on your bill – by signing up for ComEd’s Central Air Conditioning Cycling Program (Central AC Cycling).

During the summer months, demand for electricity is high, and “peak” times can strain the grid. To help better manage our energy resources, ComEd will give homeowners with central air conditioning a monthly credit on their bills from May through October. Depending on which option you choose, you can earn $5 to $10 a month, or $20 to $40 total.

If you enroll in the program, you would authorize ComEd to send signals to your home to “cycle” the flow of power to the cooling unit (i.e. to turn the cooling on and off) at peak times of energy usage across ComEd territory.

Cycling is only done when needed, and it will occur on specific days for limited periods of time. Many program participants have noted that they haven’t even noticed a difference in their homes during cycling events.

This program can make a big difference by reducing electricity demand on hot summer days. By participating, you can help prevent power outages, lower rates, and improve the environment.

A ComEd representative will install a direct load control (DLC) switch either on the side of your home or directly on the air conditioner’s
compressor panel.

The DLC switch allows ComEd to remotely cycle the compressor off and on during a cycling event. Only the compressor gets cycled off. The fan will continue to circulate already cooled air.

With the DLC switch, customers can either choose the 50 percent ($5/month or $20/year) or 100 percent option ($10/month or $40/year). Most people would benefit from the 100 percent option, as that is the better credit. However, if someone in your household is home during most of the day or has a medical condition, the 100 percent option is not recommended.

If you have multiple central units, the device must be installed on each unit for you to receive the credit (either $5 or $10 a month, depending on which option you choose).

Typically, you will be notified before your air conditioner is cycled—the only exception is an extreme case (i.e. unforeseen high electricity demand) where there isn’t enough time to alert customers before a cycling event.

Your credit will appear in the “Taxes & Fees” section of your bill, under the heading “AC Interruption Option Credit.”

You must have central air conditioning and you must own your home.

If you have an alternative electric supplier, you are still eligible to sign up for Central AC Cycling.

Central AC Cycling participants are not eligible for the Peak Time Savings program, but are eligible for Hourly Pricing. (CUB has separate fact sheets on these programs, if you’d like more information).

You can sign up at any time. The period in which you receive credits is May 1 through October 31, so it’s recommended you sign up before May. If you sign up within the summer months, you will still receive credits—prorated for the month in which you signed up, and full credits thereafter.

Load Guard was a free, optional program for AC Cycling customers who also participate in the Hourly Pricing Program, but it was discontinued March 2024.

For a list of frequently asked questions, visit:  ComEd.com/WaysToSave/ForYourHome/Pages/ACCyclingFAQs.aspx

For additional questions, you can email [email protected] or call ComEd’s support line (Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) at 630-437-3195.

DLC Switch: 100% Option

DLC Switch: 50% Option