The dual fuel system is any configuration of at least four (4) kW of electric heat that is installed in combination with an automatic, non-electric backup source of heat. When a peak control period occurs during the winter, the electric heat is switched off and the non-electric backup heating system is activated to provide heat during the control period. During the summer months, the cooling system is cycled on and off every 15 minutes during a peak control period. The installation or use of any uncontrolled electric heat, such as a portable electric space heater that may operate during peak control periods, is not permitted on either meter under this program.

Most hard-wired electric heating and cooling systems and domestic hot water systems are permitted on the dual fuel meter. Items that are plugged into outlets are not allowed on the program. Loads such as dryers, stoves, hot tubs, plug-in air conditioners, and other non-controlled loads are also not allowed on the dual fuel program. Beginning in 2018, newly installed geothermal heat pumps are not permitted on the dual fuel meter. Well pumps used for open-loop geothermal heat pumps are allowed on the dual fuel program if the well will see limited use during load control periods.

Dual fuel peak control periods usually occur on the coldest and hottest days of the year. Winter control periods usually start about 5:00 p.m. and end about 11:00 p.m. If the following mornings are severely cold, peak load control may also occur at that time. Summer control periods usually start about 1:00 p.m. and ends about 5:00 p.m. Cooling loads are cycled on and off every 15 minutes during the summer peak load control.

Dual fuel meter sockets are available for purchase from Jackson Electric. Please contact the office for pricing.

Control Wires and Diagram
Dual Fuel Requirements