A Demand Response Unit (DRU, Load Control Switch) is a device installed inside the home to cycle off electric water heaters, air conditioners or heat pumps during peak times. This helps reduce the amount of power being used at that time. Credits are available for the installation of Demand Response Units.

What is a peak time?

A peak time occurs when the demand for electricity is the highest.

When will the DRU be in use?

During peak times, SCI REMC will remotely activate the DRU to lower the demand for power. This is called a Load Control Period. Generally, the DRU will only be activated: summer peaks—June-August, 12-10pm, or winter peaks—December-February, 7-10am or 6-9pm. (A typical load control period is, on average, a minimum of two hours but could be a maximum of four hours.)

How will I know when the DRU is activated?

The DRU has an LED light display window on the front. A green flashing light means it’s powered up. A red light means it’s controlling the water heater, air conditioner or heat pump.

Why should I allow the REMC to install a DRU?

During peak periods, SCI REMC is charged a higher cost from our power supplier, Hoosier Energy. Though not right away, members will eventually be affected by this higher cost. If the cooperative has to pay more for power, it’s inevitable that someday the REMC will have to adjust rates to cover increased costs.

Also, members who agree to install a DRU on their existing water heater and air conditioner (or air-source heat pump) are eligible to receive a one-time $50 credit on their electric bill.

Won’t my house get hot if you turn off my a/c or heat pump?

The first thing to know is that air conditioners/heat pumps will be operated at a 50% shed and not completely shut down. This means your a/c or heat pump will cycle for half of the time it did prior to the Load Control Period, and its circulating fan will continue to run throughout the Period to provide cooling air movement.

For example, if a compressor runs (cycles) a total of 30 minutes in the hour prior to a Load Control Period, then a 50% load shed signal is sent, and it will run a total of 15 minutes for the next hour, instead of the previous 30 minutes.