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PowerSmart vs Peak Demand Management?

Which one do I need?

Updated over a week ago

Emporia Energy offers two features for managing your EV Charger's energy consumption: PowerSmart and Peak Demand Management. Here's how to choose between them.

PowerSmart

  • Prevents your home's electrical system from exceeding supply limitations by dynamically adjusting EV Charger rates

Ideal for you if:

  • You have limited electrical service capacity (100A or 200A panels) and want to avoid service upgrades

  • You regularly use multiple high-consumption appliances alongside your EV Charger

  • You want to charge at the highest possible rate without exceeding panel limits

Important notes:

  • Requires an Emporia Energy Monitor (Vue 2 or Vue 3)

  • Cannot independently manage multiple EV Chargers on a shared circuit

  • Only monitors main service lines, not individual branch circuits

Peak Demand Management

  • Helps avoid costly utility charges by staying below peak demand pricing thresholds.

Ideal for you if:

  • Your utility charges are based on peak demand

  • You want to automate energy savings during high consumption periods

  • You have multiple smart devices connected to your Emporia system

Key features:

  • Supports multiple connected devices (EV Chargers, Smart Plugs, Thermostats)

  • Allows prioritization of devices when approaching peak demand thresholds

  • Requires an Emporia Energy Monitor (Vue 1, 2, or Vue 3 with 200A CTs)

PowerSmart vs. Peak Demand Management: A Quick Comparison

Feature

PowerSmart

Peak Demand Management

Purpose

Prevent electrical overload

Avoid peak demand utility charges

Primary Focus

Total system load

Utility pricing thresholds

Devices Supported

Single EV Charger

Multiple smart devices

Energy Monitor Required

Yes (Vue 1, 2 or Vue 3 with 200A CTs)

Yes (Vue 1, 2, or Vue 3 with 200A CTs)

Automatic Control

Adjusts EV Charger charge rate

Controls multiple devices based on priority

Use Case

Limited electrical panel capacity

High utility peak demand charges

Which Should You Choose?

  • Choose PowerSmart if your concern is keeping your home's electrical system within safe limits without upgrading your panel. May be required for local code compliance.

  • Choose Peak Demand Management if your goal is to manage energy costs by avoiding peak demand pricing tiers.

Feedback and Suggestions

Our knowledge base is continuously evolving to better serve your needs. If you have any feedback or find areas where this article could be clearer, please reach out to our customer support team. Your input is invaluable in helping us refine our guides and provide the most effective information for managing your energy.

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