LOAD MANAGEMENT
"Beat the Peak" with residential load management. Load management is a means of controlling the amount of electricity being used at any one time. When periods of peak demand occur, load management is used to reduce the demand and lower the cost.

Customers who currently participate in any of the load management programs allow Rocky Mount Public Utilities to install a load management switch on their electric water heater, electric heat strips, or central air conditioner. During periods of heavy demand for power, radio signals to the load management switch cycle the controlled units off. The more switches the City has in place, the greater the impact of the load management program.

Rocky Mount averages approximately ten days per month load managing. Typically, peak time occur on hot summer afternoons between 2-6 p.m. and cold winter mornings between 7-8 a.m. Customers participating in any of the load management programs usually do not notice when their load management switch is activated.

LOAD MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS

Electric Water Heater Control - Water heaters are cycled off during load management periods. Controlling water heaters will not affect the amount of hot water available. Customers receive $2.00 utility bill credit each month.

Electric Heat Strip Control - Heat strips are controlled during the winter load management periods. Compressors continue to provide heat. Customers receive $15.00 utility bill credit each month if the temperature falls to 25 degrees or below on a non-holiday weekday. This credit is applied for the previous calendar month.

Central Air Conditioner Total Control - Under total air conditioner control, compressors are turned off for the entire load management period. Fans will continue to operate but air will not be cooled. Therefore, homes will get hot. Customers receive $20.00 utility bill credit for three months in the summer. Air conditioner load management is sometimes operated outside the credit months in order to have the greatest impact on customers' utility bills.

Satisfaction Guaranteed
There is never a maintenance charge with "Beat the Peak." Satisfaction is guaranteed. If you become dissatisfied for any reason, the switch will be promptly removed at no charge to the customer. For more information, call 972-1284.

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ENERGY AUDITS
Whatever your utility expenditures, trimming them will boost your bottom line. You could find that careful utility management is an easy route to increased profits.

The City of Rocky Mount performs audits to help customers detect ways to lower utility bills using a combination of efficient operations and innovative rates. Cost cutting and saving opportunities are examined for electric, natural gas, water and sewer usage.

Recommendations are made pertaining to building envelopes, heating and cooling, machines and equipment, lighting, operations and processes, water usage and disposal. An audit of your home or business may significantly reduce your utility expenses.

For more information, telephone (252) 972-1694 or e-mail:
Kim Weaver,
Richard Worsinger, or
Wayne Hollowell.