Abstract: Consumer use of 240 VAC power can be reduced automatically by a power utility. A switch, remotely controllable by the power utility, can break the normal T1-P1 and T2-P2 power connections, and instead allow T1 to float, and coupled P1 and P2 together and via a current limiter to T2. The result is that in-phase 120 VAC is available from P1 or P2, but no 240 VAC is provided, thus eliminating power consumption by 240 VAC appliances. When the need to reduce 240 VAC power consumption has passed, the switch is reconfigured to again connect T1-P1 and T2-P2. The switch may be disposed on a power utility pole, or at a consumer's premises, before, after, or indeed within the consumer's power meter.