In 1984, Tideland EMC launched a highly successful load management program that shaved energy use during peak hours.

More than half of the co-op’s membership participated in the program which managed electric water heaters and central air conditioning systems via a radio controlled switch. The program helped the co-op save $12 million in wholesale power costs over a twenty-year period.

When wholesale power contracts dramatically changed, the load management program folded and the radio controlled switches became obsolete. 

As a result, homeowners are welcome to have electricians, plumbers or HVAC technicians bypass and/or remove the load management devices as needed without risk of penalty.