Energy & power systems guide
Load Factor
Compare average demand with peak demand to understand how evenly capacity is used.
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
Compare average demand with peak demand to understand how evenly capacity is used.
Core system ideas
Load factor is average load divided by peak load over a defined period.
A low load factor means the system experiences high peaks relative to average use.
The metric helps explain capacity utilization but does not by itself measure efficiency or reliability.
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
Average demand, peak demand and time period.