How EnergyWise® Off-Peak Programs Work
How do storage programs work?
During off-peak hours, when electricity is least expensive, water heaters and electric thermal storage heaters on the storage off-peak programs generate enough heat energy and hot water for an entire day. Off-peak hours are usually in the late evening and early morning.
How do interruptible programs work?
Dakota Electric mounts a load control receiver near the controlled appliance, and during peak demand periods, Dakota Electric sends a signal to the load control receiver to interrupt power. Dakota Electric typically interrupts power on only the hottest and coldest days of the year.
What is a load control receiver?
The load control receive is a device that Dakota Electric sends a signal to when we need to interrupt power to an appliances in an off-peak program. Load control receivers are usually gray box located next to your electric meter or central air conditioner.
How does Dakota Electric benefit?
Many members wonder how Dakota Electric benefits by selling electricity at a lower price. In exchange for the lower price, members participating in EnergyWise® off-peak programs agree to let Dakota Electric interrupt power to particular devices when the demand for electricity is high. On these days when homes and businesses are using a lot of energy, purchasing wholesale power to deliver to your homes is more expensive. The amount of money participating members allow Dakota Electric to save by purchasing less high-priced wholesale power is greater than the amount of income we forgo by giving members a deal on their electricity.