This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Customers Unhappy With PECO Smart A/C Saver Program

Area customers are questioning PECO's decision to enact it's Smart A/C Saver Program, an initiative that cycles homeowners central air systems on and off based on system demand.

As temperatures soared to nearly 105 degrees, area residents dealt with rising temperatures inside their homes and businesses — even as their air conditioning units were blasting.

In an effort to conserve energy during this stressful time on the grid, PECO Spokesperson Ben Armstrong said the Philadelphia-based utility company put it's Smart A/C Saver Program into effect yesterday and today.

The voluntary program involves PECO hooking up a small radio device that can turn your central air conditioner's condenser on and off at peak times to save ease the load on the area power systems.

Find out what's happening in Upper Southamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Armstrong says the condenser will be powered off only in times of extremely high strain on the system. The program works by having the condensers alternate off and on for 15-minute cycles.

Customers who participate get $30 off their bill in the summer months and can earn up to $120 over the course of the summer, whether PECO turns off their condenser or not.

Find out what's happening in Upper Southamptonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

A Patch reader contacted us to report the temperature in her home had risen 7 degrees, from 75 to 82, in less than an hour once PECO began the program this afternoon.

Armstrong responded by saying that customers can opt out of the program, which has over 60.000 people registered. To opt out he said to call 1-888-5PECOSAVE.

However, if you terminate the Smart A/C Saver Program you will received a pro-rated discount off your bill and not the full $30 this month, he added.

A woman who answered the phone at a Bucks County based heating and air conditioning repair business said she has been receiving calls all afternoon from customers saying that their air is not working.

She said most of the calls are linked to the PECO shut-down.

According to Armstrong, the program was employed for the first time yesterday during what the company is calling a "conservation event" and was only in effect between noon and 8 p.m.

Armstrong said if you do decide to opt out of the program, be sure to check out the PECO's Smart Ideas website for tips on how to reduce energy consumption, lower your inside temperature and save money. 

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?