The Coordinated Load Management System (CLMS), developed by the 14 electric distribution cooperatives in Pennsylvania and New Jersey in conjunction with Allegheny Electric Cooperative, Inc. (Allegheny), lets cooperative consumer-members become partners in the effort to control electric rates. As energy needs grow exponentially and prices continue to climb, CLMS allows Allegheny to adapt in real time to maintain stable rates and achieve significant savings for member cooperatives.
When grid demand is expected to peak, CLMS operators shift use of electric water heaters, heat pumps, electric thermal storage units and other appliances of volunteer cooperative consumer-members to off-peak hours. This reduces demand across the system, helping Allegheny and member cooperatives avoid costly demand and transmission charges while reducing the need for additional market purchases. Additionally, the system reduces Allegheny’s capacity obligation under procedures established by PJM Interconnection LLC.
Today, with more than 42,000 load-control receivers installed on appliances in cooperative homes, this voluntary, member-driven program remains one of Allegheny’s most cost-effective and rapidly deployable tools for managing demand. CLMS reduced purchased power costs by approximately $8.6 million in 2025, bringing total gross power cost savings to nearly $180 million since the program began in 1986. Since its inception, the system has been updated to include state-of-the-art automatic meter reading, load control and smart meter/smart appliances capability.
To sign up for CLMS, contact your local cooperative.