Load management, or demand response, refers to the control of various electrical loads during times of peak demand on the electric system. By managing loads such as grain bins, irrigation pivots, air conditioners and water heaters so that they are not all on at the same time, Union County Electric Cooperative is able to reduce wholesale power purchases, saving money and resources for the Cooperative.
East River Electric Power Cooperative, Union County Electric's wholesale power supplier, has been operating our demand response program since 1985. For each water heater under load management, Union County Electric saves approximately $13.00 per month in wholesale power costs. Union County Electric members who are will to put electric loads under load management are eligible for special rebates and electric rates.
Control is initiated through a highly sophisticated system that communicates with control receivers connected to the various loads. East River operates the system on behalf of it's member systems to moderate wholesale power costs, improve system efficiencies, and provide member-consumers with energy options.
