Question

How can reducing peak demand for power result in decreased energy consumption?

Answer 1

Spread out using major appliances across separate 30-minute periods during higher-cost on-peak demand hours (for example, between 1 to 1:30 p.m., 1:30 to 2 p.m. etc.). Major electrical appliances that may contribute to high demand costs include the air conditioner, clothes dryer, water heater, electric range and oven.

Shift the use of appliances away from higher-cost on-peak demand hours, to lower-cost off-peak hours. This is more important for saving than reducing the total amount of electricity used during on-peak hours.

Use a programmable or smart thermostat to reduce heating or air-conditioning usage during on-peak hours especially when no one is home.

Use a timer on your water heater, dishwasher and pool pump.

Answer 2

The simulation results show that, compared with the best traditional PDR techniques, SHB can reduce 40% of peak power demand and 77% of energy consumption without increasing the arrival time delay. ESDI can reduce 20% of peak power demand and 50% of energy consumption without increasing the arrival time delay.