What is load control?

Question:I got the power turned on in my new home and the rep. asked if i wanted the load control turned on, all she said was that it had to do with the ac.

Answers:
Load control is a system that allows the power company to temporally turn off certain high demand loads in your house at times of peak energy usage. the A/C compressor is the most common item put on load control, Electric hot water heaters, and pool pumps / heaters can also be connected that way.

If you elect to go with it the power company will come out and install a small box next to your A/C unit and connect in in such a way that when the box receives a signal from the power company your A/C compressor (outside unit) is turned off for 15 minutes and on for 15 minutes. Interruptions usually happen only during a few peak days in the summer and (on my utility) never on weekends. Unless you look at the indicator lights on the box you never know it's happening.

By saving the power company those few kilowatts of (very expensive) peak power it saves them money, and in turn you get a discount on your bill. In my case it is 10% off the top of the bill regardless of if they activate the load control or not.