Residential home retrofit trade allies play an important role in helping customers understand the equipment, programs and energy-saving opportunities connected to their homes. For HVAC contractors in particular, becoming familiar with Pacific Power’s Cool Keeper program is important because you may encounter Cool Keeper devices installed on some customers’ outdoor air conditioning or heat pump condensers. Knowing what the device is, how it supports short demand response events and why it should remain in place can help you answer customer questions, avoid unnecessary removal or disconnection and support a program that helps maintain comfort while improving grid reliability and keeping energy costs lower for the broader community.
Pacific Power recently introduced Cool Keeper, a voluntary demand response program designed to support grid reliability and smarter energy use across our communities.
Customers who enroll receive $30 in bill credits each summer for every qualifying device—making it an easy way to save while contributing to a more efficient energy system.
How it Works
After each system is inspected to ensure compatibility, a small Cool Keeper device is installed on the outdoor unit of a central air conditioner or heat pump. When needed to help balance the grid, the device briefly cycles the compressor off while the fan continues to run, maintaining comfort inside the home.
Events are short, about 5 -7 minutes on average, but are always at least 5 minutes to avoid turning the system on and off too quickly. By aligning with your thermostat’s normal timing patterns and avoiding “short cycling,” we maintain the cooling system’s performance.
Why it Matters
Cool Keeper is a simple way for customers to be part of a smarter, more resilient energy future. By helping balance energy supply and demand during key moments, the program strengthens grid reliability, supports more efficient energy use and helps keep costs lower for everyone—all with minimal impact on home comfort.
For program details, visit pacificpower.net/coolkeeper or call 1-800-357-9214.