Understanding Load Management Load Management, also known as demand response, is a utility's solution to decreasing high load demand on its electrical system. This reduces the overall cost of power for the co-op and shrinks our carbon footprint. Oconto Electric Cooperative has the ability to monitor the demand of our system. If the demand is peaking or extremely high, the cooperative needs to reduce load. This reducing demand is accomplished in two ways - by temporarily managing, or shutting off, electric loads using a radio-controlled switch or using a special electric rate that encourages off-peak usage of electricity. Load Management Switch A load management switch is a radio-controlled device that will be installed either a particular appliance or on the meter serving an electric heat application. An OEC technician will complete this installation. OEC can send signals to the switch which allows the appliance or heat system to shut off during the high demand periods. The control period may happen anytime between the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding major holidays. Please keep in mind that OEC will not control on a daily basis. Control periods are performed on an "as needed" basis or when load needs to be reduced. The following is a list of load management programs available to OEC members. Click on any of the links for more detailed program information. Air Conditioning Load Management
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