During a typical daily load curve for electricity, when does demand peak?

During a typical daily load curve for electricity, when does demand peak?

• A. 5pm-7pm
• B. 12am-7am
• C. 9am-11am
• D. 3pm-5pm

Answer: (A)

Demand peaks when a large number of customers are using electricity at the same time. In a typical day, residential and small commercial loads rise as people come home, turn on appliances, cooking equipment, lights, and heating or cooling. This concerted rise in usage in the late afternoon to early evening pushes the overall demand to its highest level, usually around five to seven in the evening. After that period, activity drops and demand falls. The other times listed reflect off-peak or mid-day patterns and don’t reach that evening peak.

Demand peaks when a large number of customers are using electricity at the same time. In a typical day, residential and small commercial loads rise as people come home, turn on appliances, cooking equipment, lights, and heating or cooling. This concerted rise in usage in the late afternoon to early evening pushes the overall demand to its highest level, usually around five to seven in the evening. After that period, activity drops and demand falls. The other times listed reflect off-peak or mid-day patterns and don’t reach that evening peak.