Load management programs

Home Heating Programs

If you utilize TEC's load management program for electric heating, you may be amazed at how competitive it is to heat with electricity when compared to other fuel sources. It can be a very affordable way to heat your whole house or areas that are challenging to keep warm. Beyond being affordable, electric heat provides a clean, safe and consistent form of heat. TEC's current load management electric rate is 5.6¢ per kWh from October to May. The rate is 9.8 ¢ per kWh for the months of June through September. How does load management work? There are two types of load management for heating:

Dual fuel: Typically, on the coldest days of the winter, when demand for electricity is high, your cooperative's power supplier sends a signal to your electric heating system to automatically switch to a backup non-electric heat source. In order to participate in the dual fuel program, the backup heating system must be automatic and capable of heating the entire house during load control periods. The backup source needs to be able to handle a control of 12 hours in any 24-hour period. The backup heating system should also have an adequate supply of fuel during these periods. Electric heat can be interrupted at anytime during the day or night to manage the system peaks.

Heat storage: If your electric heating system is able to store heat (i.e. in-floor heat in a bed of sand or electric thermal storage technology) your system "charges" during off-peak hours when electric demand is low and then stores the heat energy so it is available whenever the thermostat calls for heat. A stored heating system is typically controlled up to 16 hours a day everyday of the year during peak times.

Water Heating Program

By participating in TEC's load management program for water heaters you can save money. Rather than starting up a power plant for a short period of time or purchasing additional power from another utility when prices are expensive, electric demand is reduced by controlling water heaters. TEC sells electric water heaters that are energy efficient and large enough to be capable of providing you with hot water during control periods. There are basically two classifications of water heater control:

Residential. Water heaters can be controlled at any time with the maximum control period not exceeding six hours in duration during any 10-hour period.

Dairy. Water heaters can be controlled up to six hours after 5 p.m. as required.

Should Dairyland Power determine emergency conditions exist, both residential and dairy water heater control times can exceed the six-hour duration.

Air Conditioning Program

Central air conditioning systems are typically cycled 15 minutes on then 15 minutes off during a control period, which are typically during hot and humid conditions. The total cycled control time is up to four hours per day, but can be extended to nine hours during periods of peak electrical demand.