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Peak Demand Management in a Nutshell

An alternative to grid construction is based on changing when energy is used. Several programs are in place across the nation, designed to level the load on the grid by reducing peaks. Consumers use the same amount of electricity, but slightly earlier or later than usual. This example shows how peak demand management works using technology. Programmable thermostats allowed BPA to remotely raise or lower the temperature setting. Using remote switches, BPA also could turn off the heating elements in water heaters, or turn off pool pumps.

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Here is an interesting example of load shifting from another podcast I listened to recently.
http://www.thewatt.com/article-1238-nested-1-0.html
" Now, what we need is at home and at work we need conductive power transfer platforms and you park your car and while your car is parked, the battery is recharged and you have the meter in the car. At the end of the month, the meter is read and you pay for the amount of electricity you have received from the grid. If that system is implemented, then there is an infinite, oh not infinite, but a large, large electric storage capacity available to the power companies and if you have wind blowing strong, then all the batteries are charged. If the wind is not blowing so strong, then they are only charged to 80% or so, but every car is in a drivable condition at any time and this would be fantastic. You do not have to go to a gas station. You do not have to fill up the car. You park it at home and turn the key and then automatically the batteries are charged, you go to work, get off the car, it is automatically charged. This is now the only vision I have. All the rest is derived from physics, but this is a vision, which is doable today. It can be a more sophisticated that the power company automatically recognize the car and does the bookkeeping at home. You do not have a [28:28 unintelligible] but the power company is controlling the charging of your car and at the end of the month sends the bill from whatever kilowatt hours have been pumped into your car. "

Great presentation of a potentially confusing topic.

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Energy Priorities delivers information, ideas and commentary on smart energy -- a resource for businesses who want to be more informed energy users -- an asset to entrepreneurs and investors in the new energy sector. Topics include energy-related technologies and best practices for business, presented in non-technical language, with insights that help you take action. Published as a public service of P5 Group, Inc., Seattle USA. ISSN 1938-7326