Oregon Irrigation Load Control

Participating growers receive bill credits, gain real-time visibility into energy use and increase the efficiency and reliability of the electric system. Plus, participation is easy and there are no enrollment fees. Connected Energy’s load control and monitoring devices are installed on your enrolled pumps to automate the energy reduction process when events are called.

• The Mandatory program season will run each year from the week of June 1 through August 15. Mandatory events can occur between 2 p.m. and 9 p.m., and can range from 1 to 4 hours, with a maximum of 12 event hours per week and 52 event hours per season.
• No more than three mandatory events will be scheduled per week. Any additional events in a week will be considered voluntary.
• The Voluntary program season will run each year from the week of June 1 through September 30. 

Any Pacific Power customer in Oregon on Schedule 41 or 48 receiving service for agricultural irrigation and soil drainage pumping can participate. Enrolled customers will need to have pumps at least 25 horsepower (HP) to participate. 

Pacific Power uses a pay-for-performance structure to reward participating customers based on the amount of average available load (kW) that the enrolled pumps can reliably shut off during program hours, adjusted for event participation. The average available load per pump is then multiplied by the incentive rate. 

• Average available load is measured by the load control devices on each pump. It is the average demand (kW) during all program hours, excluding days when events are called. A pump’s available load depends on its size and how often it is running.
• If a participant chooses to opt out of a load control event, the available load is adjusted down by the percent of events in which they elected to opt out.
• If a site does not opt out of any mandatory program events, the site will receive a bonus incentive in addition to the base incentive. The bonus incentive is calculated by multiplying the average available load by the bonus incentive rate. The bonus incentive is calculated by multiplying the average available load by the bonus incentive rate.

Incentives will be issued annually and can help offset some of your electricity costs.

A voluntary event is a request to shut off pumps outside of established program days and hours or if the limitations for mandatory events have been reached. Participating customers may choose to opt out of voluntary events with no penalties or reductions in their total financial compensation for their participation in the Irrigation Load Control program. Irrigators who choose to participate during a voluntary event may receive additional compensation. Voluntary events may be called any time from the week of June 1 through September 30.

Customers may choose not to participate (opt out) in any event. Opting out lowers a customer's average participation percentage and payments proportionally, with downside protection for seasons when only a small number of events are called.

Review these resources: 

• Program Definition and Incentive Summary
• Program Infrographic

You can also call toll-free at 1-855-664-3276, email pacificpowerilc@connectedenergy.com or submit a program enrollment request.