Managing electric heating and cooling loads to reduce peak demand is an important task for electricity providers. Air source heat pumps (ASHP) are more efficient than other electric heating and cooling technologies, and electric utilities have encouraged adoption through incentive, education and load management programs. Advances in inverter-driven technology have led to ASHPs that can run efficiently at temperatures well below freezing, accelerating adoption in cold climates such as the Upper Midwest. This report explores this technology advancement and highlights the experiences and lessons learned of Great River Energy cooperative.
