Central Electric is asking for member volunteers to have new load management devices installed at their homes and businesses. The current devices being used to manage energy usage on water heaters and air conditioners (developed in the 1980s) are outdated and will no longer be supported by the manufacturers. That’s why a pilot project is underway.
What Is Load Management?
Load management is the process of optimizing electricity consumption by reducing energy use during periods of high demand when electricity is more expensive. The goal of load management is to achieve efficiency, reduce costs and maintain reliability in the energy supply.
By optimizing energy consumption, your cooperative can achieve greater efficiency and resilience for years to come. Load management plays a crucial role in ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy supply while minimizing costs and environmental impacts.
Why Is Load Management Important?
Cost Savings: By shifting energy usage to off-peak times or reducing consumption during peak demand periods, the entire cooperative saves on wholesale power costs.
Reliability and Grid Stability: By reducing strain on the electrical grid during times of high demand, members can help prevent power outages and ensure a more reliable supply of electricity for themselves and their community.
Environmental Impact: By reducing overall energy consumption and peak demand, you are contributing to a more sustainable energy future and reducing the environmental impact of electricity generation.
Community Support: By working together to manage electricity demand, members can support the cooperative’s efforts to provide affordable, reliable and sustainable energy. This benefits the entire cooperative.
Project Timeline
From March through June, the cooperative needs to install 200 devices to determine if they will work for all of East River Electric’s distribution cooperatives.
What to Expect
If you don’t volunteer but are selected to participate, a representative will contact you to schedule the installation. Please understand that our technicians must enter your property to install the device.
We appreciate your willingness to allow us into your homes for installation as we move toward greater energy efficiency and cost savings. Your cooperation will help ensure the project is successful.