Elkhorn Rural PPD offers a load management program for irrigation customers. In essence, it allows these customers to choose their electric rate by selecting a level of management that suits their needs. Options range from “no control” to four hours of control up to full control, which is a seven-day option. Rates decrease as the amount of control increases.
The program is administered by our wholesale power provider, Nebraska Public Power District. During times of high demand for power, NPPD will request that certain utilities control their customers’ electric usage. ERPPD uses radio-frequency devices to turn off the power to wells. Wells can be controlled for up to 12 hours within a 14-hour window (between the hours of 9 a.m. and 11 p.m.)
By shedding load, ERPPD helps NPPD use its energy resources wisely. By eliminating the need to buy power on the open market and postponing the need to build new power plants, ERPPD is able to keep rates as competitive as possible.
ERPPD started its load management program in the early 1980s. Today, more than 77,000 horsepower of irrigation wells are enrolled in load management.
Irrigation Lights Have Meaning Three LED lights on the control box have particular significance.
- Red – NO Control
- Red and Green – Control
- Yellow – Signal Test (has no effect)
The light configuration on the display appears this way:
If the lights are not working, please check the fuses before calling ERPPD’s outage number at 800-675-2185.
Irrigator’s Switch Number is Important This irrigation season, if an ERPPD irrigator has occasion to call the utility, he or she should reference the system’s switch number when giving information. While an account number and location are necessary components, it is the switch number that will best help district personnel to provide the irrigator with the fastest resolution to his or her situation. See illustration below for example.
