Load Management for Irrigators
Load management helps us reduce wholesale power cost by lowering peak use when power is the most expensive during the hot summer months, generally from June through September.
Like any supply and demand rule, energy is more expensive when the demand is high. Typically, the peak of the energy market is related to the temperature and weather patterns, which vary from year to year.
Irrigation accounts play a pivotal role in the load management program. By participating in the program, irrigators allow Medina EC to shut off power to irrigation equipment on days the market is experiencing high demand. This reduces the overall demand Medina EC requires at key moments, which lowers our power costs. About 75 percent of irrigation accounts are enrolled in this program. In exchange for their participation, irrigators receive a reduced rate on demand and energy charges.
Members with irrigation rates interested in participating in the program must enroll by April 20, 2022. You can enroll your account(s) by completing this form for each account. You can also download a PDF version of the agreement here.
Load management members receive notification via text or phone call, based on their preference.
You can sign up for text notifications about irrigation related load control events by texting LM to 1-855-429-1119. To be put on the notification list for weekly load control forecasts during the load management season, text FORECAST to 1-855-429-1119.
If you have previously opted out of text messages from this number and want to re-enroll, you must text START to 1-855-429-1119. Medina EC cannot re-enroll you after you've stopped messages from this number.
You can sign up for one or both lists. You can also sign up by filling out the form below:
2022 One Time Opt Out
Irrigation accounts enrolled for the 2022 Load Management Program have access to a one-time opt out for events during the 2022 season. Utilizing the opt out may result in additional costs.
The opt out option enables you to designate meter(s) to opt out of load management events in the time frame (day, week, or month) of your choosing (June, July, August or September). Load control decisions are made with the goal of reducing demand, and the associated costs, at key peak times. For that reason, irrigators who choose to opt out will be required to pay all related power costs associated with the demand on the account if the motor ran during the Electric Reliability Council of Texas coincident peak (ERCOT 4CP) for the opt out month. The ERCOT 4CP is determined at the end of the month. The cooperative is not able to predict which day the ERCOT Coincident Peak will be set.
A one-day notice is required if you choose to opt out. You will be required to come to a Medina EC office and sign a document acknowledging the opt out and estimated additional cost for each meter.
Medina EC continues to work to keep the load management program manageable for all irrigators who choose to participate, even in the ever-changing market. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you. Learn contact us at 1-866-632-3532 or email us at Info@MedinaEC.org to speak with a Member Service Representative.
Estimated Additional Costs for Opt Out
|
HP |
Typical kW |
Estimated Additional Cost |
||
|
Motor Size in HP |
50 |
37.3 |
$ 1,900 |
|
|
Motor Size in HP |
75 |
56.0 |
$ 2,600 |
|
|
Motor Size in HP |
100 |
74.6 |
$ 3,400 |
|
|
Motor Size in HP |
150 |
111.9 |
$ 4,900 |
|
|
Motor Size in HP |
200 |
149.2 |
$ 6,400 |
|
|
Motor Size in HP |
250 |
186.5 |
$ 7,900 |
|
|
Motor Size in HP |
300 |
223.8 |
$ 9,400 |
The figures above are estimated additional costs if you opt-out and run during the actual 15-minute interval for the month as determined by ERCOT. If you would like us to calculate this additional cost based on your meter(s) historical demand, please call to discuss it with one of our staff members.