Energy & power systems guide
Load Curves
How electricity demand changes through hours, days and seasons.
Systems note: terminology, market structures, voltage classes and reliability rules vary by jurisdiction. Use current local standards and utility information for real projects.
Where this fits
How electricity demand changes through hours, days and seasons.
Core system ideas
A load curve shows demand over time and reveals peaks, valleys and recurring patterns.
Weather, work schedules, industrial activity and electrification all shape the curve.
Generation and network planning depend on both the highest peak and the duration of different demand levels.
Interfaces and tradeoffs
Demand is not static. Weather, schedules, technology and customer behaviour shape both total energy and the system peak, which is why interval data matters.
What organizations measure
Peak load, average load, ramp rate, daily/seasonal shape and load factor.