AMARILLO, TX -- Xcel energy is offering to save you money, but to do it you have to let them control your air conditioning. It's called the "Saver's Switch" program and it's supposed to help the company manage its electricity use on peak-days.
The voluntary program would allow Xcel energy to remotely control a customers air conditioner compressor and electric water heater for short periods of time on hot days. Xcel said when you air conditioning is on, it cycles every 15 to 20 minutes, this program just elongates that amount of time.
In return customers who sign up could get a credit of up to $65. "It might change the temperature in your house one or two degrees, but hardly noticeable, but we'll notice it on our end, because we'll have a lot more power available," said Wes Reeves, from Xcel Energy.
They are hoping to save about 5 mega-watts, that's enough to power more than $3,700 homes. The service does require a one year commitment, but Xcel will send someone to your home, free of charge, to see if you qualify.
