An assessment method for consumer load management

Load management is undertaken by utilities to alter the load shape to achieve a better match between the customers' cyclic demands and utilities current and planned generating and T&D (transmission and distribution) resources. Specifically, load management actions may aim to control load growth, alter the shape of the load curve or increase the supply through nonutility or nontraditional sources. The actions may be initiated to reduce capital expenditures, improve capacity utilization, provide for economic dispatch, reduce the cost of service, improve load factors, improve system efficiency, or improve system reliability. Utilities can use load management to control their purchased power costs, most often aiming to reduce demand changes.