Load management refers to the targeted control and optimization of energy consumption. It is particularly relevant for companies with high electricity requirements, as peak loads can cause high costs. The aim of load management is to avoid load peaks, reduce grid charges and flexibly adapt energy consumption to supply and demand in the electricity market. The term “load” stands for the energy requirement at a specific point in time. Effective load management makes it possible to smooth out the so-called load curve and thus reduce costs, emissions and supply risks.
Load management becomes particularly relevant when:
Particularly in industries with highly fluctuating energy requirements, load management offers enormous savings potential – both financially and ecologically.
Load management is based on intelligent analysis and control of power consumption, i.e. a data-driven, often AI-supported evaluation of consumption patterns, grid signals and forecasts. This often involves the use of digital systems that record, forecast and automatically regulate energy flows in real time. The focus is on three-central strategies:
Solutions for intelligent energy management not only enable manual intervention, but also automated reactions to electricity price signals or grid utilization – a decisive step towards greater flexibility and resilience.
The importance of load management is steadily increasing as part of the energy transition. With the growing share of volatile, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, the need for flexibility in electricity consumption is increasing. Flexibilizing electricity consumption through load management helps to stabilize the electricity grid, avoid overloads and use renewable energies efficiently.
In addition, companies can significantly reduce their energy costs through intelligent load management without restricting their production. Anyone who adapts their processes flexibly benefits from lower grid charges, attractive market mechanisms and at the same time reduces their carbon footprint.
Effective load management is data-based, automated and integrated into existing operating processes. It takes into account:
Load management is particularly effective when it not only focuses on saving, but is also thought of as part of comprehensive energy optimization – for example in combination with energy storage, self-energy use or flexible tariffs.
Companies that rely on digital solutions here gain competitiveness, sustainability and security of supply in the long term – without disrupting ongoing operations.
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The German Federal Grid Agency is planning to adjust the regulations for individual grid charges for industrial customers. As a result of the energy transition, the framework conditions of the energy system are currently changing. The new regulations, which were set out in the recently published key point paper on Section 19 (2), should take this into account.
