Residential demand control
Save money on all the energy you use
Residential demand control encourages customers to use energy wisely and rewards them with prices for electricity that are 20 percent to 30 percent lower than our standard electricity rates. Otter Tail Power Company customers who have an RDC unit installed in their home save an average of about $300 per year, with many customers saving much more on their energy costs.
RDC works best for customers who use electricity for all or part of their home heating needs. By permitting occasional shut down of certain appliances, RDC customers are eligible for one of our lowest electric prices on all the energy they use all year long.
Here's how RDC works
To take advantage of the RDC program, you need a demand controller and a radio device wired to your electric service meter to control your electric load. During peak hours, Otter Tail Power Company sends a signal to the demand controller to shut down part of the electric load going into your house. A second radio signal automatically returns the load to normal use during off-peak hours.
Demand settings and the RDC program
A residential demand controller is a home automation device that automatically shuts off certain appliances to help the home maintain its preset demand level during control periods and later restarts them. You select the appliances that will be subject to energy control and the demand setting you wish to maintain.
Demand is the rate of energy consumption per unit of time. It is the sum of the wattage requirements of all electric devices operating at a given time. Demand settings usually range from 3 kilowatts to 6 kilowatts but may be as high as 8 kw. Usually the electric heat, water heater, and dryer are included. Customers pay a set energy rate per kilowatt-hour used plus a demand charge based on the chosen demand level.
Lease an RDC unit from us
To participate in the program you will need a residential demand controller, which may be leased from Otter Tail Power Company. Equipment features vary and price range from $700 to $1,000. Significant annual savings generally pay back the cost of the system in a short period of time.
Leases extend for a 4-year period and cost $12 to $18 per month. You own the equipment at the end of the lease period. For your convenience, lease payments are added to your electric service statement.
Warranties
Manufacturers provide warranties on RDCs. Following the end of the standard manufacturer's warranties, customers may sign up for Otter Tail Power Company's extended coverage for $2.22 per month.
Purchase or lease a residential demand controller from Otter Tail Power Company and qualify for a $300 rebate on the cost of the unit and installation.
Rates mentioned in web material subject to change Some information reported on this web site does not reflect interim or final rate increases associated with current or pending rate cases. If you have questions about potential changes to your electric service rate, please contact Customer Service at 800-257-4044. We will update rate information after the Public Utilities Commissions or Public Service Commission for current or pending rate cases make their final decisions. |
