Midwest Electric Celebrates 85 Years!
Shortly after President Roosevelt established the Rural Electrification Administration (REA) in 1936, a group of local visionaries formed the Western Ohio Farm Bureau Electric Cooperative. By 1938, the fledgling cooperative was renamed to Midwest Electric. Today, we’re celebrating our 85th anniversary as a premier provider of electricity, community support, and energy-savings programs to our members.
Our Gift to You – An $85 Bill Credit When You Sign Up for Our Cool Returns Program
As we approach nearly a century of our mutual success, we have a special celebratory offer: Join our Cool Returns Program* between April 1 and July 31 and receive a one-time $85 bill credit. After your initial credit, you’ll also receive a $5 monthly bill credit during the peak cooling months of June-September. BONUS: Installation of the radio controlled cool returns switch is performed at no charge to you. Happy anniversary!
*The $85 enrollment promotion ends on July 31, 2021. On August 1, 2021, the new subscriber credit returns to the standard $50 amount. This promotional rebate offer is only valid for new Cool Returns Program subscribers; existing subscribers will continue to receive their $5/month credit. Rebate is for year-round residential homes only with a qualifying air conditioning unit, heat pump or geothermal system with no previously installed radio-controlled switch. Seasonal homes do not qualify.
How Does Enrolling in the Cool Returns Program Help Your Cooperative?
During the peak cooling months of June-September, air conditioning usage across a region can put a strain on the electrical grid. By installing a radio controlled switch (RCS) on your air conditioning unit, the unit’s energy consumption will be automatically cycled down during times of peak demand—usually from about 2-6 p.m. on the hottest days of the year. The switch controls the air conditioning for about to 7 to 12 minutes out of a 30 minute time frame during peak demand conditions. The RCS off peak cycles are designed to keep your home cool, even when we are temporarily turning off your air conditioning. The switch does not control your thermostat or harm your air conditioning system.
This approach is known as “load management” and saves the cooperative $600,000 a year in lower power costs. Typically, load management periods are measured in minutes and the comfort of your home should not be affected. This brief, periodic cycling of your central air conditioning system can reduce the demand for electricity during peak times, keeping your future energy rates down.
To enroll today or learn more, call our office at 800-962-3830 or complete and submit the form below.
- Midwest Electric members with an existing central AC unit, heat pump, or geothermal system without a previously installed radio-controlled switch (RCS).
- AC unit must be no older than 12 to 15 years.
- Fill out the application below.
- You will be contacted by Midwest Electric, asked a few questions about your AC unit, heat pump, or geothermal unit (type, model, etc.), and will set up an appointment for installation of the switch by a local contractor.
- Please allow 4-6 weeks for processing.
- The switch must remain operational for the life of the equipment.
Please note: In some rare cases, we may not be able to install a Cool Returns switch on your central air system. We will let you know. Thank you for helping us save money and keep rates low!