The ecoswitch is a demand side pilot program that helps Mississippi Power meet the electric needs of its customers. The ecoswitch will safely and briefly lower the amount of electricity your central air conditioner uses when the need for power reaches high levels.
Sample switch installed on air conditioner. Click to enlarge.
- Mississippi Power installs a switch on the customer's air conditioner unit. When the demand for electricity reaches high levels in the summer (weekdays between noon and 7 p.m.), Mississippi Power may send a signal to the switch to intermittently reduce the length of time the customer's air conditioner runs.
- Mississippi Power pays a one time sign-up credit of $20 to pilot participants for enrolling and remaining on the pilot through its duration. Incentive is paid per household, not per air conditioner unit.
- The switch may only be activated during the weekday hours between noon and 7 p.m. for the summer months of May through September.
- The switch will not be activated on any summer weekday that is a holiday. The activation period can be two to four hours (most likely will be three hours). Activation periods will be based on weather and when the need for power reaches high levels.
- Residential homeowner living in a single-family, detached home
- Home must be owner occupied
- Home must have a central cooling system
- Customers must remain on the program for the duration of the pilot (May through September)
Important Phone Number:
Sign-up and/or Information Request: (866) 998-8555
What is ecoswitch?
A switch device that cycles your air conditioning unit for a short period of time during periods of high electricity usage on extreme summer days.
How does it work?
During high electricity usage periods, Mississippi Power will send a signal to the device connected to your air conditioner to interrupt power to the compressor for a short time. Your air conditioning unit will cycle back on in a matter of minutes. The short interruption of power is not a large electricity reduction for one home. However, over the entire program’s population, the reduction adds up to save a significant amount of electricity.
When will it be used?
If needed, the system can be operated weekdays, between 12 noon and 7 p.m. during summer months (May - September).
Who is eligible?
Homeowners who have electric air conditioning or heat pump are eligible.
How much does it cost me?
Nothing! Mississippi Power provides the equipment, installation and maintenance at no cost.
What are the benefits?
Program participants will receive a $20 check upon completion of the study regardless of whether their air conditioner is ever interrupted. Mississippi Power saves money by not having to run additional backup power plants, which helps the customer by keeping prices lower.
Will I be inconvenienced?
Typically, most customers do not even notice that the air conditioner is being cycled. Your air conditioner will be running more than it will be cycled off.
When will I get my check?
The $20 check will be issued at the conclusion of the pilot in October to participants who remain in the pilot through its duration.
Does the program decrease my electric bill?
It is unlikely there will be any bill savings with this program even though there is a kilowatt hour reduction during the switch activation period. Experience has shown energy usage simply shifts from on-peak periods (noon to 7 p.m. on weekdays during the summer) to off-peak periods. Moving energy to off-peak periods helps reduce costs for all customers.
Does the equipment damage my a/c compressor?
The equipment does not damage the air conditioner or heat pump compressor. The equipment is connected to the low voltage wire that runs between the compressor and the thermostat. Call a Mississippi Power representative before calling a Good Cents dealer if having trouble with your unit.
Is there a contract? How long do I have to participate in this program?
There is no formal contract; however we encourage customers to stay on the program through the pilot (May through September).