Switch Makes Cents
Enjoy the clean comfort of electric power and save money, too.
Join Switch Makes Cents, a program to can save you money on your electric rate and on the purchase of qualifying new electric equipment. It’s a program of your western Iowa Touchstone Energy electric cooperatives served by Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative.
Switch Makes Cents participants agree to have radio-controlled switches installed on qualifying equipment. When electric demand grows to peak levels, the switches cycle the equipment off and on to control electric demand, thus helping decrease electric costs. The equipment automatically returns to normal operation when the cooperative’s electric demand decreases.
Most Switch Makes Cents participants agree that comfort levels are maintained in the home even when the equipment is switched off periodically during high demand times.
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Will I be uncomfortable?
Special load control strategies are in place to assure members’ satisfaction with the Switch Makes Cents program. It’s important equipment is sized properly and well maintained to assure your optimum comfort. A cooperative representative can help you determine which equipment will meet your needs.
How does Switch Makes Cents save money?
An electric utility system works best when electric load remains steady 24 hours a day. But because of lifestyles and activities, demand for electricity varies from hour to hour. Sometimes— usually meal times — demand is high. Electric use drops off dramatically in the late evening. This creates peaks and valleys in the electric load pattern.
By managing the electric load through programs such as Switch Makes Cents, electric utilities can level those peak demands and operate the system more efficiently and cost effectively. Certain equipment -- water heaters, air conditioners and space heaters -- may be cycled on and off and still maintain adequate comfort levels. These savings are passed on to participating members.
How does the switch work?
The Switch Makes Cents load management control switch is installed at your home to control participating equipment. During peak load conditions, a radio signal is sent to the switch from the control center at Northwest Iowa Power Cooperative, your electric cooperative’s power supplier.
The signal interrupts power to the connected equipment. When the signal ends, the equipment automatically returns to normal operation. During a prolonged period of peak demand, the equipment may cycle on and off periodically to maintain the comfort level in your home.
Will I run out of hot water?
If your water heater is sized properly for your family’s needs, you won’t even be aware it has been off. We will be glad to help you choose the proper size for your home. When members on the program do experience cold water, often the cause is a faulty heating element. Replacement of the heating element typically cures the problem.
Will we be cold in winter?
It may be necessary to control your electric heat load during the heating season if you are participating in the Switch Makes Cents load control program. Your heating system will typically be cycled on and off to help maximize your power supply during a time of high electric usage. Your home will remain comfortable even though the heat may be controlled periodically with properly sized equipment.
Can I save more energy dollars by setting my thermostat back?
The best way to achieve energy efficiency and cost savings is to leave your thermostat at one setting.
Does Switch Makes Cents apply only to my home?
Many members are using the Switch Makes Cents program to bring efficiency and cost effectiveness to their livestock operations and their businesses. Equipment that heats and cools space, and water heaters, whether located in a home, livestock operation or business, are eligible for the program. Irrigation systems also can be part of the program. A business or agriculture load may also qualify if you have installed a permanent backup generation system.
What about rates and rebates?
We offer rebates to assist you with the purchase of new electric equipment in the Switch Makes Cents program. You also save money because special rates or credits are available on all equipment connected to the load control program.
How do I decide which type of equipment is best for me?
Our Touchstone Energy cooperative energy advisors are well qualified to provide the information and advice you need to make the right decision about the kind of system to install. We provide this information to our members at no charge. Please call your cooperative for an appointment.
Contact your western Iowa Touchstone Energy® electric cooperative for more information on the Switch Makes Cents program.