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Adams Electric’s Water Heater Program

Whether it is saving greenbacks or saving the environment, Adams Electric works with its members to reduce the demand for electricity during times when the demand and cost of electricity is highest. This is done mainly by asking members to allow the cooperative to shift electricity use for their electric water heaters to off-peak times.

How does the water heater program work?

When everyone uses power at the same time, it creates demand peaks. The peaks, which usually take place on the coldest winter days and hottest summer afternoons, are costly and can lead to higher electric bills.

A network of load control receivers or switches connected to residential electric water heaters can be switched off for several hours during peaks in the demand for electricity.

Over 10,000 co-op members have voluntarily allowed a switch to be installed on their electric water heaters. Other members are using controlled meters installed on separate subpanels to control their heating and cooling systems along with their water heaters.

How can I participate?

There are several ways to join the efforts to control electricity costs and save the environment. You may have a switch installed on a new OR existing electric water heater.

If you are purchasing a new electric water heater Buy an electric water heater from a plumber, home center or hardware store and agree to allow a switch to be installed on it. Receive a $100 bill credit for water heaters of 80 gallons and above. Receive a $50 bill credit for water heaters under 80 gallons. (Adams Electric recommends larger water heaters to minimize cold water problems.) Purchase a heat pump water heater and receive a $75 bill credit.

If you already own an electric water heater Allow the co-op to install a switch on your existing electric water heater and receive a $50 bill credit (regardless of size) when a switch is installed on your electric water heater.

Receive a $5 monthly credit

After the switch is installed, you’ll begin to see savings on your electric bill with a $5 per month credit. (Members do not receive a credit if they have a heat pump water heater, or a controlled meter on a separate subpanel. The $5 credit may not be combined with the lower controlled/interruptible rate.)*

* Rebates and monthly bill credit promotions are subject to change without notice. Rebate requests should be made within six months of purchase.

How can I save energy when heating water?

1. Set the temperature no higher than 120 degrees (115 degrees can work for households with only one or two members).
2. Drain several gallons from the bottom of the water heater each year to reduce sediment.
3. Insulate exposed hot water lines.
4. Limit shower length to five minutes or less.
5. Install low-flow shower heads.
6. Fix dripping faucets.

Why should I buy a larger water heater?

Even though Adams Electric uses load control only when necessary, a larger water heater means less chance of running out of hot water during control periods. Remember that newer water heaters are well insulated and can keep water hot for long periods of time with little standby loss.

When should I replace my water heater?

There is no way to know precisely when a water heater needs to be replaced. In fact, most of the parts (heating elements, thermostat, anode rod, etc.) can be replaced over the life of a water heater.

However, when corrosion sets in, particularly on the body of the water heater, it is time to replace it. If there is a major malfunction, such as a leak in the body of the heater, a leak around fittings, or the appearance of excessive corrosion, you may want to replace it, particularly if it is more than 10 years old. Replacing an older water heater is preferable to repairing it since newer models operate more efficiently.

What about heat pump water heaters?

Heat pump water heaters promise high efficiencies and lower operating costs. The co-op offers a $75 rebate for the purchase of a new heat pump water heater or an add-on unit – retroactive to purchases made after Jan. 1, 2011. The new rebate is being added to incentives already offered for tank water heaters.

Members purchasing any heat pump water heater – controlled or uncontrolled – are eligible for the $75 rebate. However, the $5 monthly bill credit given to members on the load control program is not available for heat pump water heater owners.

What about tankless water heaters?

Adams Electric recommends the use of natural gas or propane-fired tankless water heaters. Electric tankless water heaters cannot be controlled as part of the co-op’s load management program and can create demands during periods of peak demand.

Why should I participate?

Save the environment

Through load control, the co-op saves money in avoided power purchases, which helps stabilize rates. That reduces pollution from power plants that operate only during peak periods. The load control program relies heavily upon the participation of members who allow load control switches to be installed on their electric water heaters.

Save money with lower rates

Members with switches on their water heaters receive a monthly bill credit. They also help the cooperative hold the line on future rate increases.

Claim your water heater rebate

Claim your rebate after you either buy a new electric water heater from a plumber or home center or agree to have a switch installed on an existing water heater.

A load control switch will be installed at no charge. A service person will contact you and arrange for a convenient time to do the installation. Please allow at least 90 days for installation.

If applying for a rebate / switch installation for a(n) New Electric Water Heater Existing Electric Water Heater Request a form from an office of Adams Electric.

In return, Adams Electric will provide an appropriate rebate as a one-time credit on your electric bill and a monthly bill credit (currently $5 per month) for as long as the switch is in place and operational. (Please allow one or two months for this to appear on your bill).

For New Water Heater Purchases Only: Buyers will need to provide a receipt showing sales location, date, water heater model, gallons and amount paid within six months from the date of purchase.