Patent ID: 7356384

Claim:
A method of managing one or more electrical loads of a residence with a load management system configured to be powered by a residential generator, the residence having a thermostat and an air-conditioning system and further having a load unrelated to the air-conditioning system, the load management system having a first signal-responsive switch connectable in circuit between the residential generator and the load, the load management system further having a second signal-responsive switch connectable in circuit between the thermostat and the air-conditioning system, the method comprising: closing the first signal-responsive switch to permit a current from the residential generator to the load; receiving a call from the thermostat requesting conditioned air, including receiving the call at the second signal-responsive switch; interrupting the call with the second signal-responsive switch; opening the first signal-responsive switch to prevent the current from the residential generator to the load based on receiving the call; providing the call to the air conditioning system, including closing the second signal-responsive switch; and closing the first signal-responsive switch based on the cessation of the call.