This paper proposes an optimization model for remote duty cycling control（DCC）of air conditioners in business buildings by the advanced metering infrastructure.The presented DCC model is characterized by directly optimizing the duty cycling rates，i.e.，the percentages of the time that compressors allowed to run within the control periods.The thermal comfort constraint is taken into account on the basis of deriving room temperature equations，and hierarchical control patterns are put forward to take different requirements of thermal comfort into account.The rationality of the proposed model is illustrated by an example about a central business district of Shanghai.The results also show that DCC can significantly save energy and shave peak load without loss of thermal comfort.In view of economy，it is more suitable to use DCC as a peak- shaving measure，and the benefit-sharing mechanism still needs further study if it is to be used for energy conservation.