Load Management

Sioux Valley Energy’s load management program reduces peak power demand. This helps lower wholesale power costs and saves members over $1 million annually. 

Load management refers to the control of various customer electric loads during times of peak usage on the electric system. During times of peak electric usage, load management helps shift the load peak to times when customers are not using as much electricity by controlling equipment such as water heaters and air conditioning. By managing these loads, the cooperative is able to reduce the potential costs of wholesale power purchases which saves money and resources.

Electric Water Heaters

South Dakota:
Water heaters may be controlled up to 4 consecutive hours. If load control is still needed after a four hour period the water heaters will be cycled ON for one hour and OFF for two hours.

Minnesota:
Water heaters may be controlled up to 45 minutes of every hour depending on the severity of the peak.

Air Conditioning

Sioux Valley Energy is discontinuing the air conditioning control program. Members who could be remotely disconnected have been removed from the program and we are scheduling on-site visits to disconnect the remaining members. For those still under control, air conditioning may be controlled in May, June, July, August and September. During a control period the compressor is cycled ON and OFF in 15 minute intervals. The fan that circulates the air through your duct system inside your home is allowed to run continuously during a control period.

Irrigation

Irrigation systems are turned off during control periods. They will remain off with no cycling until the peak usage period has passed. Irrigation systems are the last to be controlled and the first to be restored during a control period. Control notifications via phone, text or e-mail are available to any member.

When is Load Control Initiated?

Load Control is initiated whenever it is deemed necessary by our power suppliers – East River Electric in South Dakota and L&O Power in Minnesota. Most Load Control is initiated during times of temperature extremes, mainly in the afternoons and evenings during high temperatures in the summer months and mornings and evenings during low temperatures in the winter months. However load control is used every month of the year to some degree to help keep your energy costs as low as possible.

How do I Know if I'm Being Controlled?

South Dakota members can log on Here. Click on the load management tab, click on current status and you'll be able to see what loads are being controlled. If you would like to know which group you are in please contact Sioux Valley Energy’s wiring department at (800) 234-1960.

Minnesota members may contact the dispatch center at (800) 234-1960 to check on their control status.

What Are the Advantages?

Load management saves member-owners over $1-million in power supply costs each year by shifting electrical loads to off-peak time periods. Members can save through program incentives, special rates, and bill credits in having equipment connected to the load management program.

Who Installs the Equipment?

Qualified Sioux Valley Energy electricians install load control receiver equipment and associated wiring.

What Will it Cost Me?

There is no charge to install or remove load management equipment from your home or business.

What if I Decide I No Longer Want My Equipment Controlled?

To continue to receive incentive program benefits, members must keep their equipment on the load management program. Load control equipment for air conditioners and irrigation can be removed anytime at the request of a member. Load control equipment connected to water heaters purchased through the Cooperative's program must adhere to the term agreement listed on the application form.