Patent ID: 8324755

Claim:
A load management system for managing a plurality of devices, the plurality of managed devices being connected to a distribution panel via a plurality of branch circuits having a circuit breaker and an electrical outlet, the distribution panel being powered by at least one of utility power and a backup generator, the load management system being connectable to a device controller to control a first managed device, the system comprising: a portable receptacle electrically connectable in circuit between the electrical outlet and a second managed device, the portable receptacle including a first antenna, a switch to electrically couple the electrical outlet to the second managed device; and circuitry electrically coupling the first antenna and the switch, the circuitry controlling the switch based on a signal received by the first antenna; and a load management controller connectable to the device controller, the load management controller including a processor, a memory having instructions executable by the processor, and a second antenna coupled to the processor, the processor executing the instructions to receive a control signal from the device controller and to manage the first and second managed devices based on the control signal and a value representing a draw on the generator; wherein the load management controller includes a second switch electrically connected between the device controller and the first managed device, and wherein the processor manages the first managed device through executing further instructions to initiate a signal to the second switch that at least one of permits and prevents the control signal to the first managed device.