This non-intrusive energy management system comprises of a load event recognition algorithm and an autonomous load controller. The algorithm identifies transient events in neighboring electrical grids, such as turning on/off a generator or ECU. The system first monitors local voltage for frequency signatures and seventh harmonic voltage transients caused by the actions of grid-adjacent loads. Then, through a cross-correlation scoring metric, the extracted voltage signatures are matched to transient events. Once an event is detected, the load controller autonomously updates its routine, shedding or increasing load as required.