Peak Shaving
Strategy to reduce electricity consumption during intervals of maximum demand to lower demand charges.
Technical Details
Implemented via Automated Load Management (ALM) software that predicts demand spikes and throttles non-essential loads (like EV charging) or discharges local battery storage.
Fleet Applications
Critical for large depots where "demand charges" (kW price) can comprise 50% of the energy bill. Prevents exceeding contracted power limits.
Related Terms
Smart Charging
Intelligent management of EV charging sessions to optimize energy consumption based on grid constraints, energy prices, and vehicle schedule requirements.
Dynamic Load Balancing
Real-time distribution of available power capacity across multiple active charging stations to preventing grid overload.
Energy Arbitrage
The practice of purchasing energy when prices are low (off-peak) and using or selling it when prices are high (peak).
Demand Charge
A fee on a commercial electricity bill based on the highest amount of power (kW) drawn during a 15-minute interval in the billing period.
OPEX (Operational Expenditure)
Ongoing operating costs such as energy, maintenance, labor, and administration.
Charging Strategies
Structured approaches to plan when and how vehicles charge to balance operations, costs, and grid constraints.
Dynamic Load Management (DLM)
Real-time adjustment of charging power based on available site capacity and operational constraints.
Demand Response
Shifting or reducing electricity consumption in response to grid signals or price incentives.
Smart Grid
A modernized electricity grid that uses digital control and two-way communication to balance supply and demand.