Water Heater Program
South Central Electric Association has been involved in load management control of electric water heaters since 1983. The purpose of this program is to shift as many electrical loads from peak electrical usage times to other times that energy can be purchased at a much lower price. At the present time we have approximately 2,300 water heaters under load management control.
How does the program work? A radio control device is mounted on the outside of the home or other building and connected to the water heater. When we anticipate a peak usage time, a radio signal will be sent to your radio control and your water heater will be shut off. The length of time that your water heater may be off will vary from 4-12 hours on really high peak usage days. Usually the hottest days of summer, the coldest days of winter and corn drying create the peak usage times.
The main benefit of participating in this program is that it helps keep the electrical rates as low as possible for everyone. Other benefits include a reduced cost water heater and subsidized repairs. If you have a water heater that needs to be replaced, South Central Electric Association will supply a Marathon 105-gallon water heater for $125.00. You must sign an agreement to stay on the load management program for five years. South Central Electric will pay for the installation of the radio control and to make the electrical connection to the water heater. It is the member’s responsibility to pick up the water heater and to pay the plumber to install the water heater. If the member feels comfortable, they may plumb the water heater themselves.
In the case of a water heater repair, your regular electrician will be asked to repair your water heater. If the problem is the water heater thermostats, elements or fuses, the member will be charged a flat $30.00 fee. If the radio control is the problem, the member will not be charged for the repair. If an electrician is called and no problem is found, the member will be billed the full amount of the service call.
The water heater will be connected to a radio control and will be controlled from 4-12 hours at a time depending on the duration of the high usage time.
Other services available:
- Delivery (Normal working hours) $50.00
- Pick-up after normal business hours $100.00