Load Management

Save Money with Load Management!

Applications Downloads:
Off Peak Electric Service | Water Heater Load Management | Air Conditioning Load Management

Eau Claire Energy Cooperative and our power supplier, Dairyland Power Cooperative, have peak demand times, times when energy usage is greatest. Typically these peak demand times are weather driven and occur on the hottest and coldest days of the year, usually during the late afternoon and evening hours.

These peak demand times set the requirements for the facilities needed to serve our members. In order to use the facilities more efficiently and reduce the need for additional generating capacity, Eau Claire Energy Cooperative offers load management programs, which can help reduce demand levels during these peak periods. This reduction in demand helps keep rates lower for all of our members.

It is an automated program through which a radio receiver can be used to shut off electric heat, water heating and central air conditioning during peak times. Participation in the load management programs not only helps reduce the cost of electric service for the participating member, through reduced off-peak rates, or monthly credits, but also helps keep rates lower for the cooperative as a whole, by reducing the need for additional generating capacity.

DUAL FUEL PROVIDES DISCOUNTS ON ENERGY COSTS

Dual Fuel is a program which combines two heating systems in your home

A separately metered clean reliable electric heating system is combined with either a fossil fuel or ETS, Electric Thermal Storage alternate system. During peak demand times the electric system would be controlled and the alternate system would have to carry the heating requirements of the home. In return, as a member of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, you receive a lower rate for the off-peak meter.

In addition to the electric heat, central air conditioning and electric water heating are allowed on the Dual Fuel rate.

Application-- Off Peak Electric Service

See Off-Peak Electric Heat Cost Comparisons

Electric Thermal Storage offers an easy way to save money

This program typically utilizes electric thermal storage, “ETS” units which can be either room units or central storage systems. They can be combined with other heat systems, either electric or fossil fuel, or be the sole heating system in your home. The units use a specially designed high density ceramic brick to store heat during the pre-determined off-peak time periods. These time periods include an 8 hour period during the night along with a 2 hour daytime boost. During on-peak time periods the power to the heating elements is disconnected. When your household thermostat calls for heat, air is simply circulated around the pre-heated bricks and out into the area to be heated, providing clean, quiet, and comfortable heat. Electric water heating or electric heat cable systems can also be connected to this program. An off-peak meter and disconnect equipment is required.

Application-- Off-Peak Electric Service

See Off-Peak Electric Heat Cost Comparisons

Electric Water Heater Load Management Program:
SAVE UP TO $48 PER YEAR

A 40 gallon or larger electric water heater can be put on the off-peak water heater load management program. The electricity to the water heater is shut off via a radio signal like the other programs. The water heater can be shut down for a maximum of 4 or 6 hours (depending on which strategy is chosen) in a consecutive 10 hour period. A $4.00 monthly credit applies to each electric water heater on the program. The credit applies with energy usage of 300 kWh’s per month.

Application-- Water Heater Load Management

Air Conditioning Load Management saves cool cash during the hot months

This program allows your home and/or business to receive a $5.00 per month credit for allowing your central air conditioning unit to be cycled during peak demand periods. The air conditioning unit will be cycled, 15 minutes on – 15 minutes off, during those peak periods. The credit will be paid June through September for any billing month where the account uses 400 kWh or more.

Application-- Air Conditioning Load Management

As a member of Eau Claire Energy Cooperative, you can now take advantage of incentive programs offered through Focus on Energy. Eau Claire Energy Cooperative has been a member of Wisconsin's Focus on Energy program since July 1, 2007.