FEM Electric participates in East River Electric's Load Management system.
Load management refers to the control of various customer electric loads during times of peak usage on the electric system. By managing loads so that they are not all on at the same time, the cooperative is able to reduce wholesale power purchases, thus saving money and resources.
The East River member cooperatives' load management system has been operating since 1985 and through 2021 has saved approximately $260 million in avoided wholesale power costs. Over 75,500 different electric loads in homes, farms and businesses of member consumers throughout eastern South Dakota and western Minnesota are connected to the system. These loads include electric water heaters, air conditioners, irrigation systems and other big energy users.
Control is initiated monthly through a highly sophisticated system that communicates with control receivers connected to the various loads. East River operates the system on a federated basis on behalf of its member systems to moderate wholesale power costs, improve system efficiencies and provide member consumers with energy options.
FEM Electric's load control programs that members can participate in are residential water heaters, irrigations, grain bins and commercial interruptible power. FEM Electric members that participate in the residential water heater program receive $5.00 credit each month. Contact FEM Electric for more information on these programs. 800.587.5880