MidAmerican Energy Company

To help save energy this summer, when demand is highest, join the EnergyAdvantage® SummerSaver air conditioner cycling program. The idea is simple: we control the use of residential air conditioners when the demand for electricity is highest. The SummerSaver program reduces peak demand, enabling us to use our generating capacity more efficiently. Single-family owner-occupied homes in Iowa with a central air conditioning unit or air-source heat pump may be eligible. Inquire today by calling MidAmerican Energy at 800-437-2976. SummerSaver is not available in Illinois, Nebraska or South Dakota.

Here’s How it Works
To show our appreciation for your conservation efforts, you'll receive a $40 end-of-season incentive the first year and a $30 incentive in following years if you participate in the SummerSaver program the entire cycling season. If you end participation sometime during this four-month period, your incentive will be prorated accordingly.

A small cycling device is mounted on the siding of your house and connected to your air conditioner or air-source heat pump at no cost to you. This equipment is wired into the existing thermostat control circuit and allows us to cycle air conditioners off and on during peak usage days June through September. When cycling is necessary, air conditioners cycle off and on for 15-minute periods on weekdays between approximately 2 and 7 p.m. (but never on weekends and holidays). Due to randomized programming, the actual start time can vary between 2 and 2:30 p.m., and the corresponding end time can be between 7 and 7:30 p.m. When cycling occurs, the air conditioner blower fan continues to operate, circulating cooled air inside the home.

This brief interruption is an easy way for you to help conserve energy. What's best, since your air conditioner fan is never shut off, your house should remain cool and comfortable.

Frequently Asked Questions About the SummerSaver Program:

Will I be charged for joining the SummerSaver program?
No. MidAmerican will connect a small device that mounts to the siding of your house near your air conditioner or air-source heat pump at no cost to you. An outside disconnect switch is necessary to install the device. If your home does not have an outside disconnect switch, MidAmerican will install one in exchange for a one-year participation agreement.
What do people who have already joined the SummerSaver program have to say about it?
This program has been implemented in other parts of our service area and the response has been favorable. Since your air conditioner fan is never shut off, already-cooled air continues to circulate throughout the house which means your house should stay cool and comfortable. In fact, most participants say they don't even notice when their service is interrupted. Your home's insulation level, directional orientation and shade tree coverage will affect the cycling's impact on in-house temperature. Some homes may experience an in-house temperature increase of 3 to 5 degrees during cycling.
How do I receive my incentive for participating in the SummerSaver program?
You'll receive your end-of-season incentive as a credit on your energy bill in October. You'll receive a $40 incentive your first year of participation, and a $30 incentive in following years, if enrolled in the program during the entire cycling season. Otherwise, your incentive is prorated accordingly. Only one incentive credit is available per enrolled household.

MidAmerican continues to expand the geographic reach of the SummerSaver program. A partial list of SummerSaver communities includes: Camanche, Carroll, Charles City, Clarion, Eagle Grove, Fort Dodge, Humboldt, Lake City, LeMars, Oskaloosa, Red Oak, Rockwell City, Rock Valley, Sac City, Sheldon and the Davenport, Des Moines, Iowa City, Sioux City and Waterloo metropolitan areas. Geographic and equipment availability, minimum summer usage and other restrictions may apply. SummerSaver is not available in Illinois, Nebraska or South Dakota. If you have any questions regarding the program, call us at 800-437-2976.

Caution: SummerSaver is not recommended for households with occupants who have health problems such as asthma, heart disease or respiratory conditions.

The EnergyAdvantage SummerSaver program – just another way MidAmerican is helping our customers conserve energy.