Weekly Peak Demand

Weekly Peak Demand

Peak demand refers to a period in which electrical power is expected to be provided for a sustained period at a significantly higher than average supply level. Peak demand fluctuations may occur on daily, weekly, monthly, seasonal and yearly cycles. The actual point of peak demand is a period which represents the highest point of customer consumption of electricity.

The Weekly Peak System Demand displayed here is the maximum system demand recorded in any week.  The peak can occur on any day during the week, but is most likely to arise on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. 

The trend in weekly peak demand for each year demonstrates a characteristic shape, with high demand in the early weeks of the year, lower demand in the summer months and higher demand as winter returns. 

The trend is similar for each year, however growth in peak demand, year on year, can be seen quite clearly.  These are the actual peak demand figures and are, therefore, affected by temperature (i.e. cold weather will result in an increased demand for electrical power).

The Weekly Peak System Demand used in this display is the electricity production required to meet national electricity consumption, including system losses and generators' requirements.

It includes power imported via the interconnector and an estimate of the power produced by wind generators, but excludes some non-centrally monitored generation.