LCPPFS0505
Air Conditioning Load Cycling ECO Program Overview
Springs Utilities is conducting this program to: control the growing central air conditioning load; gather information
that will help manage power plants more efficiently; and to integrate the results into a long-term planning strategy
for managing our future demand for electric power.
Why is Colorado Springs Utilities offering this program?
Load cycling programs are a proven strategy used by electric utilities across the U.S. to affectively reduce the high
demand for electric power during hot summer days. Well established load cycling programs can be a significant
contributor to: stabilizing electric rates, delaying the need to construct new electric power plants and lower
environmental impacts.
What benefits will I receive if I participate in the program?
Free installation of a state-of-the-art digital programmable thermostat and communications module worth
approximately $300.
The thermostat and communications module is for your use, a $300 value, yet remains the property of CSU.
A one-time $25 credit on your utility bill after the thermostat is successfully installed.
The ability to adjust your thermostat temperature for heating and cooling via the internet.
What are the participation qualifications?
Must be a Colorado Springs Utilities residential electric customer (E1R rate) or small commercial electric
customer (E1C rate) with a central air conditioning system.
Residential or commercial property must be owner occupied.
Must be current on Colorado Springs Utilities account for the past 90 days and remain current to participate.
Customers with window unit or thru the wall air conditioners and evaporative coolers are not eligible.
How often will Springs Utilities adjust my thermostat?
The thermostat will be adjusted upwards 2 to 4 degrees during periods of high demand for electric power,
usually occurring from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., weekdays only, from June through September each year.
The thermostat will be adjusted up to 20 times each year.
Are the number of participants limited?
Yes. Participation is limited to the first 500 sign-ups.
How long do I need to stay in the program and is there a penalty for withdrawing early?
There is no required timeline to remain in the program.
If you withdraw, Colorado Springs Utilities will contact the installing contractor to make an appointment with
you to remove the thermostat and communications module. At that time, your old thermostat will be reinstalled
free of charge. If you no longer have your old thermostat, you are responsible for providing one at the time of
the scheduled appointment.
How do I sign-up or request more information?
Call Colorado Springs Utilities at: 448-4800 and ask to join the “ECO Team”.
LCPPFS0505
This is the Carrier “ComfortChoice Edge”
Programmable Thermostat that Springs Utilities
will install for Air Conditioning Load Cycling
ECO Program participants.
This chart shows the increasing demand for
electric power over the last 4 years. It also
shows the anticipated future demand for electric
power in yellow. You can help reduce this
demand for electric power by participating in the
Air Conditioning Load Cycling ECO Program.
The peak demand for electric power usually
occurs between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m. Monday
through Friday when Colorado Springs Utilities
anticipates calling “curtailment” events. | 
