Switch to Save logo

CHELCO members can help control the cost of electricity and earn monthly bill credits by joining our Switch to Save program. Participants in the voluntary program allow CHELCO to install a load control switch on their water heater that is activated when electricity is in a high-demand (or “peak”) period.

How the Switch Works

A switch is connected to your electric water heater. A signal is sent to the switch to turn off the electricity to your tank’s heating elements for short periods of time during the “peak” hours when electricity is most expensive. Even with the brief interruption, your water heater will keep water hot for hours, leaving you plenty of hot water for showers, laundry and your family’s other needs.

A Switch Worth Savings

As a reward for joining Switch to Save, CHELCO offers two incentives. First, members will receive a $25 bill credit when the switch is installed. Then, members will see a $3 bill credit each month as long as the switch remains installed.

Ready to start saving? Installations begin this month in North Walton County. To learn more about the program and when we will be in your area, visit chelco.com/switch-save or contact us at (850) 307-1122 or energyservices@chelco.com.

Schedule Your Appointment

In an effort to be efficient and cost-effective, CHELCO will launch the program geographically. By working within a set portion of our service territory, we will minimize installation expenses. Members in the areas listed below will receive an email and/or automated phone message informing them to sign up for the program.

  • July: North Walton County
  • August: North Okaloosa County
  • September: Bluewater Bay

For the rest of our service area, future notices of where we will be conducting installations and when to sign up will be announced at a later date.

How it Works: Switch to Save

Please provide the best number that our representatives can reach you during normal business hours.

Help Control Power Costs

You can help control the cost of electricity by joining CHELCO’s Switch to Save program. When CHELCO members use less power during high-demand periods for electricity, it saves all members money by controlling wholesale power costs. As a reward for joining Switch to Save, CHELCO offers you two incentives. First, we will give you a $25 bill credit when the switch is installed. Next, you get a $3 bill credit each month as long as you keep the switch.

How the Switch Works

A switch is connected to your electric water heater. A signal is sent to the switch to turn off the electricity to your tank's heating elements for short periods of time during the peak hours when electricity is most expensive. Even with the brief interruption, your hot water heater will keep water hot for hours, leaving you plenty of hot water for showers, laundry and your family's other needs.                                                                                                                                                                   

How Can You Help?

Simply allow us to install a load control switch on your water heater, and we'll be able to switch it off during peak hours. Even though you should still have plenty of hot water in your tank during these hours, it helps us reduce the intense electrical load placed on our entire system by actively running hot water heaters. As soon as the peak period is over, we'll switch the hot water heater back on.