Load controllers should only be used if you are on the Combined Advantage Rate Plan. They are the best way to limit the demand portion of the bill, however they are expensive and there are other methods of limiting demand. For example:
Timers on water heaters and pools will prevent them from running during on-peak hours and are effective on the Combined Advantage 9 p.m. - 9 a.m. Rate Plan.
Programmable thermostats that can be set to increase the temperature in the home during on-peak hours.
The majority of savings that sales people attribute to load controllers is due to the design of the Service Rate plans, and can be achieved without energy management devices. However, load controllers and other devices take the "human" factor out, and help to assure the customer will not receive a high bill due to a lapse in attention to energy management.
All these devices require some limitation in lifestyle. Hot water may not be available at all times, room temperatures may not be quite as comfortable at times, etc. You should understand these limitations and be willing to accept them before installing load controllers or any energy management device.
For more information, contact The Energy Management Council at (602) 266-7283 for the phone numbers of their members that sell and service load controllers.
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