Demand-Side Management

Another proven way to make more efficient use of energy is through programs that allow Wabash Valley Power and its distribution cooperatives to manage the energy use of individual members. Since 1982, WVPA has worked with its distribution co-ops to establish programs that provide incentives to customers who reduced their use of electricity at peak hours.

Times of peak usage put tremendous pressure on the regional power grids that bring electricity to the system. Higher demand quickly and dramatically increases the wholesale cost of electricity, which gets passed along to members. In some areas, the demand grows so much that power companies are forced to reduce the amount of power they deliver.

Wabash Valley Power distribution co-ops have specific agreements with many of their commercial and industrial customers, in which those customers will switch to auxiliary sources of power upon notification. For residential members, we have a voluntary program called COOL in place that allows us to activate a switch for a short period of time to control the member's air-conditioner compressor, while allowing the fan to continue running. Typically, Wabash Valley Power controls during the week, not on weekends or holidays.