Each year, the peak gets larger due to the growth of Columbia and increased use of air conditioning. Ordinarily, load management cycling is done only a few afternoons a year. Weather patterns and equipment problems at the power plant factor into how many times the switches are used for load control throughout the year. The program is free of charge and available to anyone who operates a central air conditioner with five tons of cooling capacity or less. Small businesses, home owners and mobile home owners are all eligible.
Rental properties can also participate with permission from the property owner.
Your participation will help the entire community by keeping rates for everyone as low as possible. Normally, air conditioners do not run continuously. Even during the hottest temperatures, they will cycle off and on. The load management switch simply schedules when this happens. If you decide to end your participation in the program, the switch will be promptly removed.