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Load management

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What does load management mean?

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.

When is load management required?

Load management becomes particularly relevant when:

  • High load peaks occur, e.g. when several energy-intensive machines are switched on at the same time
  • Companies dynamic electricity tariffs or variable grid charges
  • Renewable energy should be integrated into the energy mix
  • Regulatory requirements or decarbonization goals must be met
  • Production processes have a certain amount of time flexibility

Particularly in industries with highly fluctuating energy requirements, load management offers enormous savings potential – both financially and ecologically.

How does load management work?

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:

  1. Load shifting: Energy-intensive processes are deliberately relocated in times of low electricity prices or high availability of renewable energy sources.
  2. Load limitation: The simultaneous use of energy-intensive devices is avoided in order to cut peak loads.
  3. Load shut-off: In non-critical areas, energy consumption can be temporarily reduced or paused, e.g. by temporarily stopping cooling or ventilation systems.

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.

Why is load management so important?

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.

What makes for good load management?

Effective load management is data-based, automated and integrated into existing operating processes. It takes into account:

  • Real-time data from energy consumption
  • Forecasts of production, consumption and development of electricity prices
  • Individual production process requirements
  • Options for making assets more flexible

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.

Last edit:  
6/17/25
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All information provided without guarantee. Subject to deviations and discrepancies.

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