Load management, or demand response, refers to the control of various electric loads during times of peak demand on the electric system. By managing loads such as grain bin fans, irrigation pivots, air conditioners, and water heaters so they are not all on the same time, Central Electric Cooperative is able to reduce wholesale power purchases and save money and resources for the cooperative.

East River Electric Power Cooperative, Central Electric's wholesale supplier, has been operating since 1985 and has saved members more than $188 millions in avoided wholesale power costs. These loads include electric water heaters, air conditioners, grain bin fans, irrigation systems, and large industrial processes. For each water heater under load management, Central Electric saves approximately $13.00 per month in wholesale power costs. Central Electric members willing 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 its member systems to moderate wholesale power costs, improve system efficiencies, and provide member-consumers with energy options.

East River Electric's Load Management Web Site

(ON) means electricity is on. (OFF) means the load is being controlled.

Notification of Load Management and Peak-Use Periods

Members can receive a 30-minute text message alert that the system is approaching a peak-use period. 

Text message or email notifications are available for load control times by contacting our office at 800-477-2892 or 605-996-7516.