FORT IRWIN, Calif. — The summer heat has caused the Southern California Edison energy company to take some familiar measures. SCE and the Villages at Fort Irwin have sent messages, reminders and alerts when the company enforces what’s called A/C Cycling.

A cycling device is a radio-controller box attached to residents’ outdoor air conditioning compressor by the utility company. During peak energy usage hours, SCE can send a signal to a resident’s cycling device to temporarily shut down, or cycle off, their air conditioner.

“There are very few units still in inventory that have the Southern California Edison device,” Cherry Langston, Marketing Director with the Villages at Fort Irwin said. “It helps by cycling the a/c on and off during peak energy usage hours to prevent blackouts.”

Residents are encouraged to download the “SCE DR Alerts” App to receive notifications when cycling events occur.

“During extended heat waves, it’s best to reduce all unnecessary electrical usage during peak hours of 4-9  p.m. to help avoid cycling events,” Langston said.

According to SCE’s website, residents can also check to see if their air conditioning unit is broken or cycled off.

“The cycling device has an indicator light that can tell you whether your AC is currently cycled off. When your air conditioner cuts out and you’re worried that it may be a malfunction, head outside and look at the cycling device. If you see a flashing green light, the device has initiated an off cycle and you have no reason to worry. If you see a steady green light, that means that the cycling device has not cycled your AC off and it may be in need of repair.”