Abstract: An energy management system which automatically limits the total instantaneous consumption of electrical energy in a residence having a plurality of energy consuming loads having different current demands, while maintaining the consumption of electrical energy as high as possible without exceeding a predetermined peak total current demand. Sensor means measure the total current to all of the loads which are then in operation and generates a signal indicating the total current. Current interrupters, controlled by the logic of a microprocessor automatically interrupt the current, if any, to each of the loads in a predetermined sequence, when the total current to the loads then in operation exceeds the predetermined peak total demand. Enough of the loads are shed until the total current is less than the predetermined peak total.

Abstract: A system for controlling electrical load shedding and restoring operations includes a microprocessor system, a power measuring circuit, and a plurality of load switching relays controlled by the microprocessor system to electrically connect controlled loads of a residence to, and electrically disconnect the controlled loads from, a power line in accordance with priorities associated with the controlled loads.

Abstract: An energy management method employing apparatus for automatically limiting the total instant consumption of electrical energy in a residential circuit having a plurality of energy-consuming variable demand loads having different nominal current demands. A predetermined load shedding sequence is established which is independent of the nominal current demands of the load. The actual current consumption value of each load shed is measured. Shed loads are restored which, according to their actual values and independent of their nominal values, can be restored without causing the total current in residential circuit to exceed the preselected demand. Measurement of the consumption values of the shed loads enables load restoration selections based thereon without modification of the energy management apparatus to account for variations in the nominal demands of the loads.