LCS

Control the network remotely to improve reliability and reduce cost by managing demand.

When energy service providers gain more control over large-draw appliances they can manage the network more efficiently, shedding load during peak periods, balancing demand and supply, and driving profits.

The Tendril Load Control Switch (LCS) is a ZigBee® enabled switch that energy service providers or consumers can use remotely to temporarily turn off connected devices. The LCS is actually two remote switches in one: one switch for line voltage devices such as domestic hot water heaters, and another for air conditioning or heating systems that use a lower control voltage. Providers can use this general-purpose load control device to shed electrical load during times of critical peak demand. And, unlike some switches with only one-way communication capabilities, the LCS is ZigBee® Smart Energy enabled, allowing for two-way communication between the device and the provider. This two-way communication enables providers to balance demand and supply by shedding load on large draw appliances and devices such as domestic hot water heaters, pool pumps or HVAC systems.

The Tendril Load Control Switch enables energy service providers to:

Reduce load by temporarily turning off connected devices at specific residences or groups of residences
Gain operational efficiencies by getting control over electrical devices such as domestic hot water heaters, pool pumps, and external AC systems
Balance demand and supply by ramping power after the load control event
Create innovative measured and verified Load Control and Demand Response programs
Increase customer satisfaction through incentives and rebates for contributing to grid reliability and environmental initiatives

Engage customers with money and energy saving incentives.

The Tendril Load Control Switch can contribute to increased customer satisfaction while enabling energy service providers to better manage their network, drive profits and reduce consumption. For example, providers can entice consumers with incentives for participating in reliability Load Control events or economic Demand Response programs, including new rates or rebates on their electric bill. With ZigBee® two-way communication, load reduction can be verified for each device. After the Load Control event has completed, the LCS restores power to the connected device. When integrated with an AMR or AMI meter, actual household load reduction can be measured in real time.

The LCS enables energy service providers to involve customers in load shed and critical peak events through the Tendril Energize application suite. This allows energy consumers to see when their electrical devices have been subject to Load Control events.

Energize also provides remote control for consumers, enabling them to turn LCS-connected electrical devices off and on via the web portal or mobile devices.

Additionally, consumers in variable pricing areas can be educated and motivated through Tendril Energize to use appliances like pool pumps only when electricity is least expensive. The LCS will monitor consumption data per appliance, allowing consumers to see how much energy their pool pump, or domestic water heater uses and costs them individually.

Tendril products are available through participating energy service providers. Contact your utility with inquiries and requests for available Tendril products.