Load Management Switches

GET "THE SWITCH" and get a credit on your summer electric bill

If you have a central air conditioner, heat pump and/or an electric water heater you can join many other First Electric members by participating in our Load Management Program and get “The Switch.” You'll not only play an active part in holding down wholesale power costs, but you'll also be receiving a monthly credit on your summer electric bills. Approximately 60 percent of the money you pay to First Electric is used to purchase electricity from our wholesale power supplier, Arkansas Electric Cooperative Corporation. A big portion of our wholesale power bill is based on “peak demand.”

What is "The Switch" and where is it installed?

The switch is a radio receiver which is mounted directly on the outside wall of your house, and connected to either the outdoor section of your central air conditioner, your electric water heater or both.

During the months of June through September when peak afternoons could occur, radio signals are transmitted and the switch automatically turns off your air conditioner compressor in cycles of 10 minutes out of every 30 minutes. Your water heater will usually be turned off for a longer period of time.

Will I notice a difference when "The Switch" is operating?

Your house temperature may possibly increase, but by no more than two or three degrees because we cycle only the air conditioner compressor. The indoor fan section will continue to operate to provide air circulation and comfort.

Electric water heaters can be turned off for longer periods without significantly affecting water temperature.

How much will it cost me to get "The Switch?"

There is no charge to you.

What about the credit?

By volunteering for "The Switch," a credit will be applied to your July through October electric bills. On an electric water heater, the credit is $5.34 per month. The water heater must have a 4,000 watt element or larger.

The amount of credit for an air conditioner switch varies based on the size of the individual unit. The credit given is $1.23 per month per kVa of connected compressor capacity. As an example, a 3 ton unit will receive approximately $6 per month credit. Central air conditioners and heat pumps must be at least 1.5 tons to qualify for this program. Credit for switches will not be applied to accounts using less than 500 kWh per month. The credit also will not exceed 20% of the monthly energy charge before application of the credit.

The program is simple and free to you. If you would like to receive a credit on your electric bill, call your local First Electric Cooperative office and ask for "The Switch."

For more information, please review the FAQ below, contact any local First Electric Cooperative office or click here to e-mail us.

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pdf  Load Management FAQ 05/09/2010 DownloadDirect Link to File