Load Management

What is it? 
Load management is a program to reduce our town’s total electric usage during peak or high-demand hours. This saves the town money. And when we save, you save!

Why is  it important? 
The demand for electricity throughout a town varies from moment to moment. The time when the demand is highest-that is, when he most electricity is being used by the electric system - is called "peak" or "peak demand." That’s typically when many people are using appliances at the same time. Those peaks determine how much a town pays for power. Higher points of peak demand mean higher prices. By managing the demand on the electric system through load management, the town can better manage a customer’s electricity cost.

How does it work? 
The program involves a special switch on the devices in your home that use the most energy. These devices include electric water heaters, central air conditioning units and heat pumps as well as auxiliary heat strips. During times of peak demand, the town will send a signal to have these devices automatically cycled off for brief intervals. This typically occurs a few times each month. The process reduces your energy demand, which saves you money. Best of all, by participating in the program, a customer will receive a credit - or credits - on their electric bill.

What are your options? 
Central Air Conditioners and HVAC Heat Pumps: These contribute significantly to peak demands in the summer and can be cycled off and back on without discomfort. Your air conditioner compressor is typically cycled off for about one to two hours, up to 7 minutes out of every half hour. Comfort level for most customers remains the same.

Electric Water Heaters: The heating element of your electric hot water heater is turned off, typically for about one to two hours. This will not affect the amount of hot water currently available. 

Heat Strips: Heat strips are supplemental, and when they are on, electricity is consumed at a rate three times greater than that of the heat pump alone. During peak hours, heat strips will not run. This will typically last for 1-2 hours. The load management switch will control the heat strip, but the compressor will continue to provide heat to your home.

To thank you for your participation, we will credit your utility bills depending on what level of participation:
  • $2.00 per month for Electric Water Heaters
  • $10.00 per month in January, February, March & April for Electric Heat Strips
  • $4.00 per month in June, July, August, and September for 25% A/C Control
  • $8.00 per month in June, July, August, and September for 50% A/C Control
  • $20.00 per month in June, July, August, and September for 100% A/C Control

Central Air Conditioner 25% Control – (Minimum required participation level) The compressor is cycled off for brief periods, approximately 7 minutes every half hour. The circulating fan continues to run and comfort level changes are usually undetectable. Customers receive $4.00 utility bill credit for four consecutive months in the summer. 

Central Air Conditioner 50% Control – (Optional participation level) The compressor is cycled off for brief periods, approximately 15 minutes every half hour. The circulating fan continues to run; comfort level changes are perceptible during extreme heat. Customers receive $8.00 utility bill credit for four consecutive months in the summer. 

Central Air Conditioner 100% Control – (Optional participation level) The compressor is off for the entire load management period. Fans will continue to operate but air will not be cooled. Homes may become warm. Customers receive $20.00 utility bill credit for four consecutive months in the summer.