Load Control
East River's Load Management system is designed to reduce peak demand on the system by shutting off controlling loads for a period of time. If running normal, East River’s system has 170 megawatts without being controlled. These loads include heating systems, water heaters, air conditioners, household appliances, industries that voluntarily shut off loads, industries that East River shuts down loads, industries that East River controls only five months out of the year, and irrigation.
Each year, a load management strategy is developed that determines control targets for each month based on average peak over the last five years. If the peak is above that control target, East River employees, through the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, begins controlling loads. A computer sends out a command to control a load. The command goes through the microwave system of East River to an injector in one of 202 substations across eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota. The injector sends a signal from the substation through the distribution line to the customer.
In 1984, the East River Board of Directors made the decision to install the load control system. Since that time, East River has saved an estimated $60 million for its customers. The goals of the load management system are to control peak demand, increase off-peak electric sales and improve East River system load factor.
Current Load Control Status:
* View the current load control status at:
http://www.eastriver.coop/FTP/EREPC_lm_general.asp
ON=not being controlled, OFF=under control.