⚠️ Important Requirement
CLR and Frequency Response are not self-service features. They require a signed contract with an eligible supplier (Shell or Priority Power) and coordination with Foreman. If you are not under contract with one of these suppliers, this feature will not work. Please don't hesitate to contact support for more information.

When managing your facility’s power usage, controllable loads (CLR) and frequency response can help improve efficiency, support grid stability, and sometimes even create revenue opportunities. This article explains what CLR is, why it matters, and the requirements for enabling it in Foreman.

What Are Controllable Loads (CLR)?

Controllable loads are pieces of equipment or devices in your facility that can automatically adjust electricity usage. Instead of running at a fixed level, these loads can scale up or down in response to signals from Foreman or the power grid.

By designating certain equipment as “controllable,” you gain the flexibility to respond to real-time changes in energy demand.

What Is Frequency Response?

The power grid operates at a target frequency (60 Hz in North America, 50 Hz in many other regions). When supply and demand become imbalanced, the frequency can shift. If the deviation becomes too large, it can damage equipment or even trigger outages.

Frequency response allows your facility to help stabilize the grid automatically:

• If grid frequency drops, your loads reduce consumption to ease strain.

• If grid frequency rises, your loads may increase usage to absorb excess energy.

These adjustments happen in near real-time, so your facility supports grid reliability while continuing operations.

How CLR Works in Foreman

Once set up, Foreman continuously monitors the grid frequency at your facility and automatically adjusts controllable loads:

1. Monitoring – Foreman tracks incoming grid frequency.

2. Detection – If frequency moves outside the target range, a response is triggered.

3. Adjustment – Designated controllable loads ramp up or down automatically.

4. Recovery – When the grid stabilizes, loads return to normal operation.

This process is fully automated. No manual action is required once CLR is properly configured and enabled.

Setting Up CLR and Frequency Response

You cannot enable CLR on your own. Setup requires:

1. An active contract with an eligible supplier (Shell or Priority Power).

2. Coordination between your supplier and Foreman.

3. Enabling the CLR feature flag requires assistance. Please contact your Customer Success representative to enable this feature.

If these requirements are not met, CLR will not function—even if the settings are visible in your dashboard.

Benefits of CLR and Frequency Response

• Grid stability – Contribute to a more reliable power system.

• Cost savings & revenue – Eligible supplier programs may offer financial incentives.

• Automation – Adjustments happen automatically without manual intervention.

• Efficiency – Smarter energy management across your facility.

FAQs

What if all my loads are critical and cannot be reduced?
You don’t need to mark all equipment as controllable. Select only devices that can be safely adjusted without disrupting operations.

Will I notice changes when loads adjust?
Most adjustments are short-term and designed to be non-disruptive. You choose which loads participate.

Can I see when my facility is participating?
Yes. Go to Foreman > Power > Event History to review recent events.

Next Steps

If you are under contract with Shell or Priority Power and would like to enable CLR and Frequency Response, reach out to the team directly to begin the setup process.

If you are not under contract with an eligible supplier, this feature will not be available.