Hot Water Switches

Hot Water Load Control Switches

If you have a utility load control switch on your electric hot water heater, you have likely received a letter (or two!) in the mail about upgrading your switch to a newer model. Here’s some background on the program and why we are upgrading the switches.

Why does AEL&P have load control switches on hot water heaters in the community?

While we try our best to use preventative maintenance to avoid outages, winter storms will inevitably lead to occasional power outages in the community. When power is restored, all of the electrical appliances that have been turned off tend to turn back on at once – including hot water heaters. This leads to a larger-than-normal electrical demand, known as inrush current. This inrush current can make it more challenging to restore power. The hot water load control switch provides a short delay (less than 30 minutes) before the hot water heater turns back on. This reduces the inrush current and helps us to get power restored.

AEL&P provides a $4 rebate on your winter electric bills for having the hot water load control switch installed.

What does the load control switch look like?

The load control switch is likely installed against a wall near where your hot water tank is located.

Old converge switch • New DRU switch

I lost my letter. How do I get my switch upgraded?

It’s easy – just call our contractor, Alcan Electric, at 907-780-4404 to make an appointment. There is no cost to you for this work.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use hot water while the load control switch is activated after a power outage?
   1. Yes, you can use your hot water, the heating element just won’t turn on to reheat water in the tank until the delay period is over.
2. I just installed a new hot water heater and it won’t turn on. What is the problem?
   1. When the power is turned off to the circuit for the hot water heater while the new tank is installed, the delay will activate after power is restored just like it would in a power outage. Wait at least an hour after the new tank has been installed for the water to heat up. Remember, any time you turn the power off it will activate the delay. 
3. I would like to use the switch to regulate when my water heater turns on. Can I do this?
   1. Yes! The default mode for your switch is “emergency only”, but there are three other schedules that you can choose:
      1. Emergency Only: Pre-programmed delay start after power outage
      2. Day Only: Off 10pm – 4am; On 4am – 10pm; Pre-programmed delay start after power outage
      3. Night Only: On 10pm – 4am; Off 4am – 10pm; Pre-programmed delay start after power outage
      4. Day &Night: On from 4am – 7am; Off 7am – 3pm; On 3pm – 10pm; Off 10pm – 4am; Pre-programmed delay start after power outage

 

For additional information or to change the schedule that your switch is on, please call our metering department at 907-759-5918.