A win-win program that helps us keep the rates down

Electric customers with water heaters (30 gallon or larger) and/or central heat and air conditioners are eligible to sign up and receive a small discount on their electric bills. Sign up now, by contacting Customer Service, or call us at one of the numbers listed at the bottom of this page. Find infor on the rules and how it works...

Why Load Management?
It saves money…for both you and the community! The Load Management program is designed to reduce peak electric demand. Peak demand occurs during the hottest afternoons of the summer when the air conditioning load is the greatest and during the coldest mornings in the winter. Load management can reduce our peak use and save SECO from purchasing additional power that is very expensive during the peak periods. When we save money, you save money.

How Does it Work?
SECO’s Load Management program uses a proven technology of radio controlled switches installed on water heaters, central air conditioners and heat pumps. During periods of peak electric usage, the switches are activated by a radio signal. This turns the water heater off for up to four hours and/or a compressor motor, or space heating, off for a up to 7 1/2 minutes in a 22 1/2 minute cycle. Since the switch controls only the compressor, the circulating fan can continue to operate, keeping your home cool and comfortable. The effect of this cycling during peak demand is illustrated by four neighbors who have central air conditioners. On a rotating basis, the air conditioner compressors for each home are turned off for a few minutes. Instead of the four homes demanding electricity for their air conditioners at the same time, only three would be. Community wide, this means a considerable reduction in peak load and significant savings for you.

When Are Peak Periods?
During the coldest days of winter and the hottest days of summer are when SECO experiences its peak loads. Each year, the peak gets larger due to the growth of the cooperative and increased use of air conditioning. Ordinarily, load management cycling is done only a few afternoons or mornings a month. Weather patterns and equipment problems at the power plant factor into how many times the switches are used for load control throughout the year. Typically, cycling will start in the mid-afternoon and stop at early evening during the summer months and early morning hours during the winter months. Normally, no control happens during four months of the year, (April, May, October, November).

Who’s Eligible?
The program is free of charge and available to anyone who operates a a 30 gallon or larger water heater, or a central air conditioner. Small businesses, home owners and mobile home owners are all eligible. Rental properties can also participate with permission from the property owner.

Why Should We All Participate?
Load Management customers directly benefit for their participation by receiving a small discount on their total electric bill. Your participation will help the entire community by keeping rates for everyone as low as possible. Load Management customers are good neighbors!

Will I Notice Any Difference in Temperature?
The only difference you should notice is a discount on your bill! Normally, water heaters, space heating and air conditioners do not run continuously. If these units are properly sized and in good working condition, no discomfort should occur. SECO will strive to keep controls for minimal periods.

Even during the hottest temperatures, the air conditioner will ‘cycle’ off and on as does space heating in the coldest temperatures. The load management switch simply schedules when this happens. If you decide to end your participation in the program, the switch can be removed. There are no fees or ‘strings’ attached to your participation.

What does the Florida Public Service Commission say about this?

PSC Consumer Tip - Practice Peak Shifting

Reducing Electric Costs

Do your part and sign up today!
To learn more about our Load Management program contact any SECO office or email us in Customer Service.

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Page last updated: Friday, March 5, 2010