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understanding peak demand
During summer in South East QLD, between 4 and 8pm, thousands of us do exactly the same thing. We turn on the TV, make dinner, turn on the air-conditioner, use the computer, put on the dishwasher, the dryer, and more. All that combined energy use creates daily peak demand.
what is daily peak demand?
Many people don’t realise it, but we all contribute to peak electricity demand every day. Daily peak demand usually occurs between 4 and 8pm, when people get home for the day and switch on appliances simultaneously. But there’s a bigger challenge, known as network peak demand.
what is network peak demand?
Network peak demand occurs only a few times a year, usually when we experience extreme temperatures. That’s when a much higher number of people use high-energy appliances – such as air-conditioners and pool pumps – at the same time as using other everyday appliances such as computers, laptops & TVs, cook tops, ovens, dishwashers, washing machines & dryers. Millions are spent on extra electricity infrastructure to cater for these peak times.
Network peak demand periods are forecast to grow each year, driven by a growing population and a growing number of appliances in use. So as you can imagine, the issue is only getting bigger.
why do we want to reduce peak demand?
ENERGEX’s infrastructure is designed to cope with these peaks, and we can continue to upgrade the system to manage growing demand. But that isn’t the most sustainable approach. Remember, network peak demand only occurs on a handful of days. Consequently, the extra capacity we must have available simply isn’t used most of the time. In fact, 13% of ENERGEX’s network capacity is only used for a few hours a few times a year. That’s wasteful, and it’s expensive. We’re looking for more sustainable solutions that will see us use our resources more efficiently, impact less on the environment, and reduce the impact on customers’ bills.
how the community can help
Reducing peak demand is all about using less electricity during peak times – either by using appliances at alternatives times, using alternative energy, or by simply just using less electricity by turning appliances off. Small things make a big difference.
Click here for ideas on how you can take it easy and help save energy