The H2O Plus program brings wiser energy use

Doing a good thing has never been so easy!

Introducing a new program from Wiregrass Electric Coooperative that uses technology to help manage energy use.

H2O Plus is an innovative program that puts technology to work to better manage energy usage. Your participation will help us reduce demand during those times when energy is most expensive.

H2O Plus is a simple program that can have a major impact on future electricity rates. All free water heaters will be equipped with the H2O device to qualify for the free program. Free water heaters are given to all new construction Touchstone Energy Homes, change-outs of gas water heaters, and change-out of older water heater.

Members who currently have an electric water heater installed can enroll for this program free. When you enroll, we’ll send a certified electrician to your home (at no cost to you) to install a cycling device on your water heater. This device will enable WEC or our power supplier to cycle your water heater — the elements will power down for short periods of time (usually around two hours) and restart in time to maintain plenty of hot water in the tank.

Don’t worry. You’ll still have plenty of hot water to handle your chores, showers and other household tasks. In fact, you shouldn’t even notice a difference.

What is the point? By managing energy usage when demand is high (when you and all your neighbors are using the most electricity), our supplier can reduce demand during those times when energy is most expensive.

And that will help us make wise energy use a reality in south Alabama.

Some commonly asked questions about H2O Plus...

Why would you want to turn off my hot water?
We don’t — we just want to help manage your energy usage by cycling your water heater. In fact, when you sign up for H2O Plus, you should notice no difference in the amount of hot water available.

Will I see a savings on my power bill if I participate?
The impact per consumer is small, so you probably won’t notice a difference on your power bill. But with thousands of people enrolled across the region, H2O Plus can make a huge impact on reducing the demand for electricity.

Why is Wiregrass Electric promoting a program that will help it sell less electricity?
We are a cooperative, and that means we have a real concern for the communities we serve. By managing energy usage when demand is high (when you and your neighbors are using the most electricity), our supplier can reduce demand during those times when energy is most expensive. That will help Wiregrass Electric control our wholesale power cost, which affects the price you have to pay for the electricity you use.

What do I do to sign up ?
Click here for the form for the H2O Plus program. Fill it out and return it to Wiregrass Electric's office by mail: P.O. Box 158, Hartford, AL 36344, by fax at 334-588-0683, or by email at membercare@wiregrass.coop.

Someone will contact you to schedule a time to install your H2O Plus equipment.

Free Water Heater Program

Cooperative members or builders may qualify for a free water heater if the new home qualifies as a Touchstone Energy Home, if they are changing out a gas water heater, or if they are upgrading an older water heater -- however, to receive the free water heater, the member must agree to have the load control equipment installed on the water heater. Click here for the correct forms:

Touchstone Energy Home Water Heater Form

Gas Conversion Water Heater Form

Upgrade Older Water Heater Form

Water Heater Purchase

Cooperative members that do not qualify for free water heaters can purchase an energy efficient water heater. Please see the following list for sizes and models available. Contact your nearest Wiregrass Electric office for pricing.

Note: All water heaters in stock have 4500 watt elements and are wired 240V. Also, residential water heaters sold in the US are wired for non-simultaneous element operation.  The top element satisfies, then sends power to the bottom element until it satisfies, then the water heater cycles off.  The result is that at no time will both of the elements be on at the same time.  The National Electric Code (NEC) specifies for residential water heaters to be on a circuit by themselves on a double pole 240V breaker with #10 gauge wire.

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