Load management at Richland Electric Cooperative (R.E.C.) means turning off electrical loads during periods of high-energy usage or as they're more commonly called, "peak hours." This can be done automatically by the load management radio receivers connected to electric water heaters, electric heat loads and central air conditioners/heat pumps. Or, members can do it voluntarily when a "peak alert" message is broadcast on area radio stations.

R.E.C., along with many other co-ops, purchases electric power from Dairyland Power Cooperative(link is external) (D.P.C.), headquartered in La Crosse, WI. Anytime you turn on a light, motor or electrical appliance, you expect to have enough power for the device to operate.

For many years, this wasn't a problem as D.P.C. had enough power for your needs. Even in the event that D.P.C. had a power plant go "off-line" for a problem or for scheduled maintenance, they could easily purchase reasonably priced energy from another utility.

However, in recent years, the demand for electricity has risen considerably and no new power plants or transmission lines have been built to handle the additional load.

This increased demand is nationwide and if Dairyland Power has a problem and needs to purchase energy to meet its needs, the costs to do so have risen substantially in recent years. R.E.C. purchases power from D.P.C. based on the co-op's contribution to the D.P.C. peak load.

In other words, the more electricity used by R.E.C. members during "peak alerts," the more R.E.C. pays for that power. The load management program helps the co-op lower its demand and thus, reduce its cost of purchasing energy during "peak alerts". These savings benefit all members by keeping electric rates as stable as possible.

A receiver is installed by Richland Electric Cooperative. When a load management event begins, a signal is sent to the receiver to pause power to the device(s) enrolled in the active program. When the event is over, a signal is sent to the receiver to switch the device(s) on to resume normal operation. 

Our cooperative will work with the member to determine which program best fits their personal energy goals. 

The Load Management program is designed to accommodate many load types. Examples based on their category of service: 

• Residential: water heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps, electric heating systems, electric vehicles;
• Agricultural: irrigation pumps, grain drying systems, water heaters;
• Commercial & Industrial: Varies, but loads are usually managed with standby generation or self-directed load reductions.

Control durations are time-limited and full automation is utilized whenever possible to ensure a balance of comfort and convenience for participating members. Coordinated strategies that leverage the energy storage capacity of hot water systems, or the availability of backup heat systems, allow most residential members to experience a seamless shift. 

The receiver will illuminate a single green LED (Prop) light when there are no events initiated. 

During an event, the receiver will have a single green LED illuminated in combination with either and amber or red LED light. 

At the completion of the event, the amber or red light will shut off indicating restoration of your device(s). In most cases, a home will not notice when an event is underway. 

Our local power lines are part of a larger, regional grid, operated by the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO). Being a part of MISO means Dairyland Power Cooperative (our wholesale power provider) has access to additional power generation resources throughout MISO's territory, which extends from Manitoba, Canada south through 15 U.S. states to Louisiana. 

MISO allows Dairyland options to purchase the most cost-effective power throughout the day (Dairyland also sells the power it generates into the MISO market). 

It also means events that might cause a high demand for electricity in other parts of MISO's territory can affect electricity prices in our region. Examples include extreme weather, power line congestion (more electricity is being generated than a power line can handle) or unexpected power plant outage. 

Even if it's not very hot or cold outside, all of us can conserve energy during these peak times to help keep our electricity rates stable and affordable. 

Under normal conditions, you should not run out of hot water. If you do, please call Richland Electric Cooperative at 608-647-3173. We can help diagnose if you are having a problem with the water heater or if the problem is related to the control time.

Odds are you have already used hot water prior to controlling thus the tank did not fill back up prior to the control taking place. 

There are many ways you can participate in the load management program and help the co-op reduce its electrical demand during periods of high usage.

As mentioned above, if you have an electric water heater, it should be connected to a load management radio receiver. This allows the co-op to automatically turn off electric power to the water heater whenever needed.

Members with electric heat who join the Dual Fuel Program can also have a receiver installed to shut off electric heat during peak hours.

A third option is to have a load management receiver connected to your central air conditioner / heat pump system so it can be cycled off and on every 15 minutes during the summer "peak hours."

When you hear "Peak Alert" message broadcast by area radio stations, you can also help by voluntarily conserving energy wherever possible. By simply turning off unneeded or unused lights and appliances you can help the co-op lower its demand. Scheduling the use of dishwasher, dryers and motors away from "peak hours" when you hear of 'Peak Alert' message is also very beneficial in helping the co-op lower its costs and purchased power. 

The Load Management program helps balance the demand for electricity with the availability of generation, and the ability to economically purchase electricity. Dairyland and its member cooperatives save money by reducing the need to purchase expensive power during periods of high electricity demand. These savings are passed on to member through special incentives and stable rates.