System and method for priority delivery of load management messages on IP-based networks

A system for priority delivery of messages on a communications network between a server in communication with an electric utility and a plurality of Internet Protocol (IP) connected devices at a service point, comprising:

• a network interface component including a plurality of data queues arranged based on a priority associated with each type of data message;
• a processor configured for priority delivery of data messages by:
• receiving a plurality of regulated data messages for electric utility priority load management, and a plurality of unregulated data messages;
• separating the plurality of regulated data messages for electric utility priority load management, and the plurality of unregulated data messages, into the plurality of data queues based on the priority assigned to and associated with each data message;
• processing the plurality of regulated data messages for electric utility priority load management, in a plurality of regulated data queues of the plurality of data queues and routing the plurality of regulated data messages for electric utility priority load management to a regulated data message destination device;
• and
• processing the plurality of unregulated data messages in a plurality of unregulated data queues of the plurality of data queues and routing the plurality of unregulated data messages to an unregulated data message destination device following the routing of all messages in the plurality of regulated data queues.