A method and system for stabilizing energy consumption in multiple loads,
or in single multi-phase loads. A central controller monitors variable
reactances in the loads and identifies situations of power and/or current
fluctuation and/or unbalance. The central controller determines
appropriate corrective action by the other loads/phases to compensate for
the power and/or current change or unbalance due to the problematic load,
and it issues control signals instructing electrode position controllers
associated with the other loads to adjust accordingly. The method and
system may by applied to electric arc furnace installations. The
electrode position controllers may be used in conjunction with variable
reactance control systems to take corrective action to address power
and/or current changes or unbalances. The variable reactors respond
orders of magnitude faster than the electrode positioning system.