The Application of Peak Activated Rates a Technique to Load Management

This paper describes the load management program implemented by Orange and Rockland Utilities beginning in the summer of 1982 and continued through the summer of 1984. The program departs from the traditional approach of time of day rates by attempting to limit the growth of demand for electric energy by having participating customers responding to a signal from the utility. As a result of this program, Orange and Rockland Utilities believes there is an opportunity to defer planned capital requirements for additional generating until the 1990´ s. The program utilizes remotely controlled switchable rate meters for activating Peak Activated Rates as well as signaling a small number of direct load control customers with electric water heaters and central air conditioners. The communication medium used is a one-way low frequency power line carrier ripple system at 220 Hz.