Abstract: A power management system controls power and energy drawn by a load monitoring total drawn power and energy and modifying load usage. A power meter monitors power drawn by a load and provides a control circuit with an indication of power draw. The control circuit controls the power delivered to the load based on predetermined criteria, such a power threshold. Other sensors and controls such as environment status detectors or emergency commands are used by the control circuit to adjust the power provided to the load, or even to shut off power to the load. The control circuit can be a microprocessor based controller, or can be a remotely located personal computer which interacts with load drivers through a communication link. The control circuit can also have a profile for operation under various criteria, with profile parameters adjustable depending upon conditions. The profile parameters can be adjusted automatically by a control program, or by a user remotely.

Abstract: A system for controlling power to multiple groups of lights requires only a few controls. The system permits power to each group of lights to be adjusted independently and, at the same time, to be stored for later recall. Several combinations of power levels can be stored, and a particular combination can be selected, for example, by pressing a corresponding push button. In a preferred embodiment, a single control permits adjustment of any selected group, or groups, of lights.