Load Management
Beat the Peak
You can "Beat the Peak" with residential load management.
Load management is a means of controlling the "load" or amount of electricity being used at any one time. When periods of peak demand occur, load management is used to reduce the demand and lower the cost.
How to Enroll
How it Works
Customers that participate in any of our load management programs allow the Town of Wake Forest to manage the load via a load management switch installed on their electric water heater, electric heat strips and/or central air conditioner.
The Town provides the switches at no cost to the customer, but the customer is responsible for having the switches installed by a certified electrician.
Then, during periods of heavy demand for power, the Town sends radio signals to the load management switch to cycle off the controlled units - thereby reducing the demand. The more switches the Town has in place, the greater the impact of the load management program.
When Does the Town Load Manage?
Wake Forest averages approximately 10 days per month load managing. Typically, peak times occur on hot summer afternoons between 2-6 p.m. and cold winter mornings between 7-8 a.m. Customers participating in any of the load management programs usually do not notice when their load management switch is activated.
View/Download our Load Management brochure
Load Management Programs
Electric Water Heater Control
Water heaters are cycled off during load management periods. Controlling water heaters will not affect the amount of hot water available. Customers receive $2.00 utility bill credit each month.
Electric Heat Strip Control
Heat strips are controlled during the winter load management periods (December – March). Compressors continue to provide heat. Customers receive $10.00 utility bill credit each month.
Central Air Conditioner 50% Control
Under 50% air conditioner control, the compressor is cycled off for brief periods. The circulating fan continues to run and comfort levels are not affected. Customers receive $5.00 utility bill credit for the months of June, July, August, and September.
Central Air Conditioner 100% Control
Under 100% air conditioner control, compressors are turned off for the entire load management period. Fans will continue to operate but air will not be cooled. Therefore, homes will get hot. Customers receive $20.00 utility bill credit for the months of June, July, August, and September.
Satisfaction Guaranteed
There is never a maintenance charge with the Town's Load Management Program. If you become dissatisfied for any reason, the switch will be disconnected at no charge to the customer. For more information, call 919-435-9574.
Commercial Customers
Commercial load management programs are offered with or without generators. To have load management controls installed or removed or to request additional information, please call 919-435-9574.