Water Heater (TALO Program)
Take A Load Off (TALO) is the BrightRidge water heater load management program. You receive a free TALO device on your water heater. The TALO 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.
Existing or newly installed electric water heaters meeting the BrightRidge specifications may qualify for a one time 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 installations. 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 a TALO device on a qualifying 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
FAQs
- Complete the Water Heater Incentive Request Form below.
- 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.
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 heater is limited. Events typically last two hours but could potentially last up to six hours.
To qualify to participate in the program, you must be the owner of the single family home/condo unit and your name must be on the electric account. In addition, the water heater must be electric and have 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
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 or email contactus@brightridge.com for additional information
Please read the Water Heater Incentive and Electronic Signature Agreements before proceeding.
By selecting the “I Accept” button, you are signing this Agreement electronically. You agree your electronic signature is the legal equivalent of your manual/handwritten signature on this Agreement. By selecting “I Accept” using any device, means or action, you consent to the legally binding terms and conditions of this Agreement. You further agree that your signature on this document (hereafter referred to as your “E-Signature”) is as valid as if you signed the document in writing. You also agree that no certification authority or other third-party verification is necessary to validate your E-Signature and that the lack of such certification or third-party verification will not in any way affect the enforceability of your E-Signature or any resulting contract between you and BrightRidge. You also represent that you are authorized to enter into this Agreement for all persons who own or are authorized to access any of your accounts and that such persons will be bound by the terms of this Agreement. You further agree that each use of your E-Signature in obtaining an account with BrightRidge constitutes your agreement to be bound by the terms and conditions of BrightRidge’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy as they exist on the date of your E-Signature.