Abstract: An energy consumption control system and method for use by a utility company for reducing energy consumption during peak hours of demand. The system includes a centralized code signal generator for selectively generating one or more distinguishable control codes, a multiplexer for impressing these control codes upon the carrier of an existing commercial broadcast station, and a plurality of radio receivers each stationed at a selected customer location for disconnecting selected appliances upon receipt of one of said control codes. Each receiver includes a signal detector for detecting the reception of one of said control codes and a disconnect switch for disconnnecting selected appliances of the customer upon detection of one of said control codes. A timer may be used for sustaining the operation of the disconnect switch after detection of one of said control codes for a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simultaneously delivering an external source of program material and the program material normally received by a television antenna to the antenna input terminals of a television set.