On Thursday, January 24, 2013 9:05:24 AM UTC-5, Doug wrote:
Wouldn't it be cheaper and just as cost effective to install a
programmable thermostat ?

Sure it would, but then you're depending on the good will of the people to program their thermostats so that their ACs don't run at peak times of the day. People aren't going to do it out of the kindness in their hearts.

Of course, that will never happen. Most people are going to say, "I want to be comfortable," and leave their ACs cranked 24/7. Then they will cry and complain about brownouts and rolling blackouts.

The only effective way to make this work is cash bribes.