Electric Thermal Storage (ETS) is a technology which provides an effective means for power companies to reduce their energy costs through improved system load factors, effeciency and/or demand savings; thereby, increasing market share and ensuring their competitive position with other fuels. ETS effectively shifts power consumption for heating purposes from the high cost on-peak periods to low cost off-peak periods. Thus, substantial savings are realized by power companies and homeowners. ETS products such as Room Units, Heat Pump Boosters, Central Furnaces and Hydronic systems are available today.
On-peak power costs can account for a significant portion of the cost of energy to power companies. Shifting the heating load to off-peak periods allows the power company to reduce their costs and pass along significant savings to the consumers through a reduced off-peak rate. Despite charging less for the off-peak electricity, power companies' margins can stay the same or increase, and at the same time, energy bills are reduced for the homeowner. It truly creates a win/win situation.
ETS is a very effective tool which helps power companies increase their market share and retain current all-electric customers. By becoming competitive with fossil fuels, ETS is an excellent option for the power company to attain new construction heating loads. With affordable electric rates, many homeowners are also converting to off-peak or ETS heating in lieu of their wood burners or fire places. To combat the fierce competition from oil and gas systems, ETS helps retain existing all-electric customers. Typically, water heaters installed in homes are powered by the same energy sources as the space heating system. Thereby, even greater value is realized by retaining or attaining that all-electric account. ETS is also the ideal backup for dual programs. ETS keeps the home all electric and most importantly, keeps the competition out of the home.
In recent years, there has been a greater emphasis on installing heat pump systems. Heat pumps can provide excellent efficiencies, but as the outdoor temperatures decrease, so does the efficiency and many times the comfort level of the home. The bulk of the energy supplied during cold temperatures is in the form of resistance heat which typically comes on during peak consumption times. Utilizing an ETS Comfort Plus unit, the resistance heat is replaced with off-peak heating, the efficiency of the heat pump is utilized, and total comfort is delivered to the home 24 hours a day. This heat pump installation now becomes more profitable and desirable for the power company. The Comfort Pus system with a heat pump also delivers a higher level of constant comfort into the home by continually monitoring duct temperatures and injecting as much heat as necessary to achieve total comfort.
ETS should be a part of the long-term goals and objectives of the power company. The investment has a good payback, keeps homes comfortable, and all electric. No single program fits all power companies the same. We would be happy to assist you in developing a program to fit your needs and the needs of your customers.
For the Power Company