Water Heater (TALO)
BrightRidge TALO Program
Existing or newly installed electric water heaters meeting the BrightRidge specifications may qualify for a credit on your energy account with the installation of a BrightRidge TALO device. BrightRidge does NOT install nor sell electric water heaters. The incentive is for the installation of the TALO device(s). Multiple TALO devices may be installed, and may qualify for incentives, provided there are additional qualifying water heaters available for TALO device installs. Some exclusions may apply. Contact BrightRidge Energy Services & Marketing at (423) 952-5142 for clarification.
Customer Benefits
You may qualify for the following benefits:
- $40 incentive for installation of new, electric water heater (credit on bill)
- Free water heater element replacement
- Free water heater mechanical thermostat replacement
- Personal satisfaction – working together to keep rates as low as possible.
Sign up for TALO and receive a one-time $40 credit, as well as free maintenance on your water heater elements and thermostats. (Electric water heaters only.)
Sign up for TALO
TALO Program
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Instructions to Participate
- Complete the Water Heater Incentive Request Form.
- BrightRidge reserves the right to inspect any or all water heater installations.
- A BrightRidge representative will contact you to schedule a time for a BrightRidge service member to install the TALO device on the water heater(s). The average time to install this device is about 30 minutes. Once the device has been installed, you will receive the water heater incentive as a credit on your energy bill (allow 4 – 6 weeks). In addition, you may take advantage of the FREE mechanical thermostat and element maintenance/replacement for any water heater with an installed TALO device, provided replacement parts are readily available. *Some exclusions may apply.
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What’s Take A Load Off (TALO)?
Take A Load Off (TALO) is the BrightRidge water heater load management program. You receive a free direct load control device on your water heater. The direct load control device will reduce demand for electricity during peak energy times. The amount of electricity saved by turning off just one water heater element is relatively small; however, thousands of TALO participants could result in significant energy reduction during peak usage times. As a public power company, when BrightRidge reduces our wholesale energy costs we are able to pass those savings on to you.
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How does TALO work – water heaters?
As an example, assume that most BrightRidge customers use hot water early in the morning. Once water is used, the water heater fills with cool water and elements heat the water for the next use. However, after morning showers, many of us will not need additional hot water again for several hours. It is during this time that BrightRidge may activate the TALO water heater switch to postpone heating the water for a brief time.
Customers should still have hot water during times when the TALO device may be activated. Electric water heaters only operate a few hours a day to keep water at a constant temperature based on the thermostat setting. The water stays hot in an insulated tank until needed. Events are sparingly called so the impact on the hot water heating is limited. Events typically last two hours, but could potentially last up to six hours.
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How do I know if I qualify as a TALO participant?
In order to qualify to participate in the program, you must be the owner of the home/condo unit and your name must be on the electric account. In addition, the water heater must be electric and a 38-gallon minimum tank. Customers may install multiple devices provided there are multiple qualifying water heaters located within the home (must be served by same account).
These exclusions apply:
- Home not on permanent foundation
- Water heater in poor condition, old, or inaccessible
- Tank size is less than 38 gallons
- Unit is heat pump water heater or instantaneous water heater
- Unit is a gas water heater
*Other exclusions may apply -
Can I participate if I live in an apartment or rent?
Apartments are considered “multi-family” units (MDUs). The one-time monetary incentive for a multi-family residence is $25 for each load control device installed on any qualifying water heater. The one-time incentive payout is payable to the owner of the multi-family complex. Owners of MDUs should contact BrightRidge Energy Services & Marketing at (423) 952-5142 for additional information.