A load control device is directly connected to a power utility line carrying electrical power using alternating current (AC) and to a load provided by a device located at premises. At the load control device, values are monitored for one or more load-responsive parameters of the electrical power over a period of time. A nominal value is determined for each of the one or more load-responsive parameters based upon the monitored values over the period of time. Threshold values are determined for the one or more load-responsive parameters based upon an acceptable deviation from the corresponding nominal value. A load-responsive parameter is detected as being outside of the threshold values. The load control device is then used to interrupt the providing of power to the load in response to the one or more load-responsive parameters being detected as being outside of the threshold values.