Energex has launched PeakSmart air-conditioning – a cross-industry collaboration between Energex, air-conditioning manufacturers, appliance retailers and installers to help reduce domestic peak electricity demand.

South East Queensland’s subtropical climate has seen air-conditioner ownership grow to approximately 75 per cent of homes and the latest household energy survey revealed that there were around 1.65 million air-conditioners installed across South East Queensland – and it is tipped to rise to 2.4 million by 2017. Increased air-conditioner use is one of the key drivers of South East Queensland’s rising demand for electricity, particularly at peak times between 4pm and 8pm on hot summer afternoons over the last decade. To help address this issue, Energex is encouraging residents to install PeakSmart air-conditioning.
 
The program involves the installation of a signal receiver into a newly purchased PeakSmart air-conditioner. This allows Energex to cap the energy use of the air-conditioner when the electricity network reaches peak demand, without reducing comfort levels.

Energex’s Residential Projects Delivery Manager, Kenny Mizzi said home owners won’t notice any difference to the level of cooling they will receive.
 
“The technology is designed to be set and forget, so customers won’t have to do anything and won’t notice a difference to their comfort,” Mr Mizzi said.

“We have conducted extensive trials of this technology over several years and it is now available to anyone who buys a new PeakSmart enabled air-conditioner in South East Queensland.

“Customers will also be rewarded by helping to reduce peak demand and helping to create a more sustainable future for South East Queensland.”
 
PeakSmart air-conditioning is a peak energy saving initiative within Energex’s Positive Payback program, which aims to reduce peak electricity demand, with initiatives also available for pool pumps and hot water systems.

Residents who buy and install PeakSmart air-conditioning may be eligible for an EFTPOS gift card reward (up to three per household). 
 
For more information, visit energex.com.au.