Load management is a program used to control the power to residential water heaters, central air conditioners and off-peak electric heat.
To help reduce electric demand and control costs to our members, controlling is done when market prices are extremely high (economic control) or when peak electric demands are at their highest (capacity/demand control). As the demand for electricity increases, the ability to control loads is becoming more valuable to our members. By controlling electric loads during peak times, we are able to avoid purchasing power on the open market, which is considerably more expensive during demand periods.
What is a load management control?
A load management control (LMC) is a small radio receiver (about 6" square) that is connected to your electric water heater wiring. A radio signal is sent by Dairyland Power Cooperative (Riverland Energy's electrical generation and transmission facility) only when there is a need to control peak demand. The status of the receiver is shown by lights in a small window on the receiver. A red light indicates that the power to your water heater has been temporarily interrupted. If at any time power to the radio receiver is interrupted, power to the water heater is delayed 7 ½ minutes after power is restored to the receiver.
Why do we need load management?
When we reduce the energy use during peak times, we forestall the need to build new, expensive electrical generation facilities and transmission equipment to meet your electrical needs. Load management also provides for more efficient use of the facilities we have, which means we can hold future rate increases to a minimum.
Why Control Water Heaters? Will I Run Out of Hot Water?
Controlling the energy consumption of water heaters can be done effectively, efficiently, and quickly, without any burden to you. Under normal conditions, you will not run out of hot water. In fact, you may never even notice when the water heater is shut off. Water heaters are separated into two categories:
1A – typically 50 gallon water heaters, controlled any time of year, maximum control period shall not exceed four (4) hours in duration in any ten (10) hour period.
1B – typically 80 gallon water heaters, controlled any time of year, maximum control period shall not exceed six (6) hours in duration in any ten (10) hour period.
*When you click on the link “Residential Load Management” you will see water heaters 1B (large, typically 80 gallon) and water heaters 1A (small, typically 50 gallon) and one or the other may or may not be controlled at that time.