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Home AC

Save on A/C, Earn Bill Credits

Power Rewards: Home AC pays you to reduce your air conditioner’s load during periods of peak energy demand. By allowing us to automatically adjust your thermostat during these peak times, you can save and earn bill credits.

These peak demand adjustments allow us to keep energy prices lower for you and your community while you earn bill credits and save on energy use. Plus, it allows us to use more of our renewable sources of energy and reduces our overall carbon footprint.


Get Summer Bill Credits

When energy use is high, on hot and humid days, we will hold a Peak Energy Event. During the event, a device on your outdoor central AC unit will cycle your AC compressor to reduce the high-energy demand on the grid. Your central AC fan will continue to circulate air throughout your home. This will affect the temperature by a few degrees, with minimal impact on comfort.

You can opt out of an event at any time, for any reason. Once the typical 2–3 hour event is over, the device will trigger your AC to automatically adjust the temperature to your normal setting and schedule.

You will earn $1.95–$2.40 per event.* With up to 15 events per summer, the savings can add up! And you probably won’t even notice an event is taking place.

 


It’s Easy! Here’s How It Works

Get Connected

Our vendor, Itron, will install a small device on your outside central AC unit—for no charge. You do not even need to be home.

Prior to an event, we will post a “Peak Energy Event” alert on our website letting you know when the event will start and stop.

Reduce Energy Use

During an event, your AC compressor will cycle to reduce the high energy demand on the grid. Your central AC fan will continue to circulate air throughout your home during the event.

When the event is over, we will signal your AC system to return the temperature to your normal setting and schedule.

Earn Bill Credits

You earn a $1.95–$2.40 credit per event, depending on the state you reside.


Which Power Reward is for You?

For help determining the Power Reward program that matches you and your home, use the quick selection tool or review this chart. If you need help, please contact us.


Contact Us

Please email us.


FAQs

  • I&M residential customer.
  • Have central air conditioning.
  • Have a Smart Meter.
  • If living in an urban area, must be 65+ years old or income-qualified.

2025 Household Income Eligibility Guidelines*

People in HouseholdMaximum IncomeWeekly Income
1$37,650$724
2$51,100$983
3$64,550$1,241
4$78,000$1,500
5$91,450$1,759
6$104,900$2,017
7$118,350$2,276
8$131,800$2,535

*250% of 2025 Federal Poverty Guideline. (Michigan)

2025 Household Income Eligibility Guidelines*

People in HouseholdMaximum IncomeWeekly Income
1$30,120$579
2$40,880$786
3$51,640$993
4$62,400$1,200
5$73,160$1,407
6$83,920$1,614
7$94,680$1,821
8$105,440$12,028

*200% of 2025 Federal Poverty Guideline. (Indiana)

Prior to a Peak Energy Event, we will post a “Peak Energy Event” Alert on our website letting you know when the event will start and stop.

Events typically occur on especially hot and humid days. They are held weekdays from May through September and typically last 2-3 hours, but will not last longer than 6 hours. There is a maximum of 15 events per summer.

You can earn $1.95–$2.40 for every event in which you participate, depending on the state you reside. You will receive the bill credits on the next month’s bill.

You can opt-out of an event by emailing us at [email protected]. If you opt out of the event, you will not receive bill credits.

Power Rewards: Home AC is voluntary. You must participate in the program for at least 12 months.

The temperature will likely rise by a few degrees during an event. However, customers report little change in their comfort.  The potential temperature change during events depends on a variety of factors, including the temperature outside, the home’s insulation, and if blinds/curtains are closed. To find other energy-saving tips, see our collection of energy-saving tips.

A small control device is installed on your outside air conditioning unit by our licensed contractor—for no charge. During an event, we will signal your A/C compressor to cycle to help reduce the high energy demand on the grid. Your central AC fan will continue to circulate air throughout your home. When the event is over, we will send a signal to you AC to return the temperature to your normal setting and schedule.

There is no charge for the device or the installation.

You do not need to be home when the technician from our vendor, Itron, installs the device on your outside AC unit. Please remember to unlock gates and confirm nothing is blocking access to your outside AC unit.

When you sign up for Power Rewards: Home AC, you agree to allow Itron, a licensed vendor hired by I&M, to install a small device on your outside central air conditioning unit. The device won’t harm your AC unit in any way; in fact, the device supports efficient operation of your central air conditioning unit consistent with regular unit functionality with a reduced run time.

Yes. Please email us [email protected] and we will send a licensed contractor to reconnect the device at no charge to you.

Smart Meters (AMI) have a blue label while standard meters have a red label.

Yes, you can help save even more by joining other Power Rewards programs. However, you cannot participate in the following when enrolled in Power Rewards: Home AC.

  • Power Rewards: iControl
  • Power Rewards: Smart Thermostat
  • Critical Peak Pricing
  • Time of Day 2

The Terms & Conditions can be found here.

You must participate in the program for at least 12 months. If you want to unenroll at that time, send an email requesting to end your participation in the Power Rewards: Home AC program. Once you unenroll, you will not receive bill credits.


Explore More Ways to Save

Power Rewards: iControl

Earn bill credits for reducing your energy use when energy demand is high.

Power Rewards

Find which Power Rewards program matches your home by answering a few easy questions.

Instant Equipment Discounts

Instant HVAC and water heating discounts are provided by a participating contractor.

Home Energy Checkup–Income Qualified

Connect with an energy expert and weather-proof your home for FREE.

Power Rewards: Smart Thermostat

Earn bill credits and get $25 by allowing your smart thermostat to automatically adjust your air conditioner when energy demand is high.

Home Energy Profile

Answer a few questions about your home’s energy usage and get a FREE Energy-saving Kit.

*During Peak Energy Events, exercise discretion and consider health impacts when reducing energy use. Your actual savings will vary, so there is no guarantee of savings. Product offerings and rebates are subject to change without notice. See the specific rebate application for Terms & Conditions.