Nope! The Better Box isn’t a Load Controller—it’s the world’s only Demand Automation
Computer (DAC).
Here’s the difference:
Both Load Controllers and DACs manage your energy demand, but a
Load Controller takes a much less sophisticated approach. It works by
constantly shutting things off to keep your demand under a hard limit. For
example, if your demand target is 4kW, a Load Controller won’t let you exceed
that for even a second, which can quickly become frustrating. Imagine being in
the middle of a hot day and your AC turns off because you’ve hit your limit!
Most people get so fed up with the inconvenience that they stop using Load
Controllers altogether, missing out on the huge savings demand management can
offer.
Why does this happen?
Because Load Controllers don’t manage demand the way your utility
actually bills it. Utilities don’t care about your highest single moment of demand.
Instead, they bill based on your highest average demand
during specific intervals within peak periods. For instance:
- SRP uses 30-minute peak windows.
- APS and TEP use 60-minute peak
windows.
That’s where the Better Box comes in. It’s smart enough to know how your utility calculates
demand and automates your energy usage accordingly. Let’s say your target
billable demand is 4kW. Unlike a Load Controller, the Better Box allows
momentary spikes (like up to 16kW) as long as the average across the billing
interval stays at 4kW. It’s a seamless process that keeps you saving money
without the frustration of things randomly turning off.
But here’s the kicker:
The Better Box doesn’t just save you money—it also keeps you
comfortable. You won’t even notice it’s working, but your wallet definitely will.
If you’re ready to save on electricity without sacrificing comfort or convenience, the
Better Box is your perfect solution.