[ale] [OT] Load Control Switch

[Michael Potter]

This is off topic, but there seems to be other discussions about
electric power related topics.

The power company has offered a $36/unit incentive to install a load
control switch on my AC units.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Load_control
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Load_control_switch

I don't really care about the $36.
I am interested in being a good citizen and cooperating to keep
electrical rates down.
I already have a programmable thermostat so I don't think they will
save much with me.

My questions are:
a) Does anyone have first hand knowledge of the quality of install?
b) Will this switch turn off a running unit, or just prevent a stopped
unit from starting?
c) If it abruptly stops a running unit, will that shorten the life?

-- 
Michael Potter