Abstract: A load controller, primarily intended for use in systems having geographically distributed, energy utilizing loads, and employing stored energy heating apparatus. The controller (1, 10) disclosed, in conjunction with a stored energy heater (3, 4), when installed on an energy distribution system having a multiplicity of heaters and controllers, adjusts individual heater storage (3), providing adequate energy for varying heat requirements of individual heaters after a mandatory "off" period (46, 47, 49, 51), thereby greatly reducing the overall peak energy or demand requirements on a central energy source. Alternate embodiments utilize a microprocessor (300) to provide close control of heater storage and improve efficiency. Digital display (307) and a keyboard input are provided for adjusting system constants and evaluating unit operation.

Abstract: A load controller, primarily intended for use in systems having geographically distributed, energy utilizing loads, and employing stored energy heating apparatus. The controller (1, 10) disclosed, in conjunction with a stored energy heater (3, 4), when installed on an energy distribution system having a multiplicity of heaters and controllers, adjusts individual heater storage (3), providing adequate energy for varying heat requirements of individual heaters after a mandatory "off" period (46, 47, 49, 51), thereby greatly reducing the overall peak energy or demand requirements on a central energy source.

Abstract: A system for lowering electrical energy peak demand while minimizing service disruption allows instantaneous dropping of a plurality of interruptible thermal storage devices with predictable reserve capacity. At the time the loads are dropped, a central computer establishes a plurality of permissible off-times for corresponding mutually exclusive groups of loads in similar installations based on characteristic projected energy consumption profiles predicted from past statistical history for the groups. At the end of each off-time interval, a central transmitter transmits reconnect signals to which the devices in the corresponding group are responsive. The groups of units are thus reconnected sequentially avoiding the possibility of generating a secondary peak by indiscriminate, simultaneous reconnection. The reconnection sequence is determined according to changing priorities which take into account the customer's needs at the time of disconnection.