H20 Plus is a strategy to shift the times when water heaters use electricity to times of lower demand on the system when electricity is less expensive. To participate in the program, you must be a qualifying WFEC member and agree to participate in the H20 Plus load control program. The co-op will sell members a water heater for $375 plus tax. Once the load control device is installed, then $75 will be credited to the members’ electric bill.

This strategy includes a small load control device which is installed on a members’ water heater. This device allows WFEC to cycle the water heater off during those peak hours when electricity is most expensive and turn it back on after the critical hours have passed. When a member enrolls in the program, WFEC sends a certified electrician to their home (at no cost to the member) to install a load control device on their water heater. The cooperative can then send a signal that instructs the device to cycle the water heater during times of peak energy demand, usually between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. during the months of May through September and during the winter months from 5:00 a.m. until 9:00 a.m.

The cycling process reduces the amount of power needed for the overall system’s peak demand. The program is designed to encourage wiser energy use during peak demand times, increasing the efficiency and reliability of WFEC’s power system.

The cycling process will go virtually unnoticed by participants. There will be plenty of hot water for showers, chores and other household tasks.

Members who enroll in the H2O Plus program should not expect to see a reduction in their monthly power bills. The true benefit comes when you consider the impact of thousands of homeowners joining forces to better manage the region’s energy demands by reducing the amount of power needed during the hours of peak use. To learn more or to participate in H2O Plus, contact your local office or email energy_services@westflorida.coop.