They only turn off the transponders, not the whole satellite.
E5 was turned off in orbit for years sitting there as E*'s 'in orbit spare'. It isn't impossible to turn on and off transponders - it is practically routine.
Thanks for the response. Nowadays, you can't tell the players without a scorecard. I am getting some Denver channels (Don't Care) and CBS-HD (Do Care) on 148. If CBS-HD is mirrored or moved, 129 would be great for me!