How Does a Hot Water Heater Load Control Work?
A load control switch can be attached to electric water heaters and other approved electrical appliances. The switch is provided by some electric distribution cooperative in conjunction with their wholesale power supplier. Does this Spark an idea?
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Purpose
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The amount you pay for electricity is based partially on the amount of electricity required by the cooperative during peak hours on the five hottest days of the year and between the hours of 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Use of a load control switch is an attempt to lower the demand for electricity during those peak times of day and peak days of the year.
Function
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A load control switch is installed on to designated appliances by an electric cooperative installer. The switch is controlled by the cooperative and the home or business owner does not need to do anything. When the electricity demand reaches a peak a load management operator sends a signal to all the load control switches within the cooperative to temporarily shut down those appliances.
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Focus
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The focus is on hot water heaters because the appliances can be switched off and retain hot water for use for up to eight hours. Load control switches are not intended to reduce the amount of electricity used but to alter the times when it is used. Doing this may lower the amount of money spent per kilowatt hour of electricity.
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References
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