KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Power & Light (KCP&L) and Honeywell announced a three-year, $5.3 million contract implementing a peak-load management program that will work with KCP&L customers to manage energy consumption from May to September, when air conditioning use is at its highest. Under the contract, Honeywell will install ExpressStat thermostats in more than 12,800 residential homes and small commercial businesses. ExpressStat combines a Honeywell programmable thermostat and a direct control receiver from Cannon Technologies. "Managing energy consumption is more important than ever," said Joe Puishys, president of Honeywell Building Solutions.

The receiver features a one-way flex paging system that enables KCP&L to communicate with the thermostats and cycle air conditioners off for short intervals during periods of peak energy use. The ExpressStat thermostat is also Web-programmable, which enables customers to adjust temperature settings from remote locations.

This three-year voluntary program is expected to reduce peak use by 14 megawatts, enough electric capacity to cover the needs of more than 6,000 homes. The utility's long-term goal is to be able to control 45 peak megawatts. The program, a component of KCP&L's long-term plan to continue providing reliable, clean, and low-cost energy, will help the utility avoid service disruptions and meet demand without having to buy additional power or build more peaking power plants, according to KCP&L.

"Working with Honeywell is another example of forging energy partnerships with customers," said Bill Downey, president and CEO of KCP&L. "Customers will soon realize the tangible benefit of managing their usage with equipment and technology that is easy to use."

Publication date: 11/21/2005