[ale] [OT] Load Control Switch

[Geoffrey Myers]

Lightner, Jeff wrote:
> It would be nice if the idea behind this were to actually prevent
> non-working devices from using load but it isn't.   The idea is to allow
> the electric company to decide who gets what power when there is peak
> demand.

And they want YOU to pay them $36 so they can reduce your comfort...

> 
> Allowing the power company to decide I don't need so much air
> conditioning just after arriving home on an August workday doesn't sound
> like a good idea to me.
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: ale-bounces at ale.org [mailto:ale-bounces at ale.org] On Behalf Of
> Michael Potter
> Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2011 8:45 AM
> To: Atlanta Linux Enthusiasts - Yes! We run Linux!
> Subject: [ale] [OT] Load Control Switch
> 
> This is off topic, but there seems to be other discussions about
> electric power related topics.
> 
> The power company has offered a $36/unit incentive to install a load
> control switch on my AC units.
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Load_control
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Load_control_switch
> 
> I don't really care about the $36.
> I am interested in being a good citizen and cooperating to keep
> electrical rates down.
> I already have a programmable thermostat so I don't think they will
> save much with me.
> 
> My questions are:
> a) Does anyone have first hand knowledge of the quality of install?
> b) Will this switch turn off a running unit, or just prevent a stopped
> unit from starting?
> c) If it abruptly stops a running unit, will that shorten the life?
> 


-- 
Until later, Geoffrey

"I predict future happiness for America if they can prevent
the government from wasting the labors of the people under
the pretense of taking care of them."
- Thomas Jefferson