Eau Claire Energy Cooperative
Questions About Your
Dual Fuel Program?
I
f you are participating in Eau Claire Energy
Cooperative’s Load Management Program you are well
on your way to conserving energy as well as saving
money on your energy bill. Periodically members have
questions about the equipment provided by your cooperative. The following is one of the more common questions
asked by cooperative members.
Question: What do the lights mean that are on
my Load Management Receiver?
Answer: In the simplest terms, there should always
be one green light on from 5:30 a.m. until 11:30 p.m. This
green light indicates that the receiver is receiving messages from the transmitter. If this green light is not on
during the times indicated, then you should contact your
cooperative, because the receiver box is not working
correctly.
If other amber or red
lights are on, it indicates that
electric “loads” such as water heating, storage heating,
or dual fuel programs are
being interrupted. Please
note that storage heating
and water heating are controlled daily on weekdays;
therefore, on many receivers these lights will be on
every day. Also note that although the
lights are on, your electric load receiver may not have that
type of load or electricity connected, thus the light may
not indicate any load control for you.
Due to the different models of load receivers that
have been installed over the years, it is difficult to describe exactly what each light on your load receiver is
controlling without knowing which model or receiver you
have. However, with a little research we can tell you what
loads are interrupted by your receiver and possibly which
light(s) indicates control of your load(s).
More Questions?
If you have any questions about the Load Management program or would like to sign up, please contact
Eau Claire Energy Cooperative at 715-832-1603 or 888832-1604.
28 • Wisconsin Energy Cooperative News
E
xtreme cold winter months can cause stress to
the electric system, and your cooperatives want
your help. During the next few months, WAXX
104FM and Cool 92.9FM radio will broadcast peak
alert messages from local Touchstone Energy
Cooperatives, including Eau Claire Energy Cooperative. When you hear a peak alert message it means
that your energy cooperatives are controlling their
peak electrical demand and ask for your assistance in
shifting your electric usage to other hours. Controlling energy usage helps your cooperative keep your
costs down. Messages will be brought to you on
high-demand days only. Beginning at 3 p.m., any
voluntary controlling will be greatly appreciated. We
thank you for your help. Following is a sample of a
Peak Alert message you may hear on WAXX and
Cool 92.9 radio:
“Your local Touchstone Energy Cooperatives
are declaring a peak energy alert today. Your local
cooperatives—Chippewa Valley, Eau Claire Energy,
Dunn, Riverland Energy, Barron, Jump River,
Jackson, Price, St. Croix, and Oakdale—are asking
for your help. Cooperative members with dual fuel
systems will be required to use their back-up systems. You can help by setting your thermostat no
higher than 68 degrees. Please turn off all appliances
and lights that are not needed and postpone chores
requiring electricity until after 9 p.m. Critical peak
alert hours are between 5 and 9 p.m. Your cooperatives appreciate your help.”