Peak Shaving

Peak shaving describes the targeted reduction of short-term load peaks in a company’s electricity consumption. Particularly in industrial and commercial operations, such peak loads can cause high grid charges, since many electricity tariffs contain a demand charge that is based on the highest measured power draw.

How does peak shaving work?

In peak shaving, a battery storage system is used to absorb short-term consumption peaks. As soon as the electricity demand exceeds a defined power limit, the storage system supplies additional energy. As a result, less power has to be drawn from the power grid.

The role of the energy management system

An intelligent energy management system continuously monitors a company’s electricity consumption. It detects critical load situations early and controls the storage system automatically, so that peak loads can be absorbed.

Benefits for companies

• Reduction of demand charges and grid charges
• Better use of available grid connection capacity
• Stabilisation of operational electricity consumption
• Relief for the power grid

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does peak shaving mean?

Peak shaving refers to the targeted reduction of short-term load peaks in a company’s electricity consumption, in order to lower grid charges and demand charges.

Why do peak loads cause high electricity costs?

Many electricity tariffs for commerce and industry contain demand charges that are based on the highest measured power draw. High peak loads can therefore lead to significantly higher grid charges.

How does peak shaving with a battery storage system work?

A battery storage system is discharged automatically when electricity consumption exceeds a defined power limit. As a result, part of the energy demand is met from the storage system instead of from the grid.

What role does an energy management system play in peak shaving?

An energy management system monitors electricity consumption and controls the battery storage system automatically, so that peak loads are detected early and reduced.

For which companies is peak shaving particularly interesting?

Peak shaving is particularly relevant for industrial and commercial operations with high or strongly fluctuating electricity loads, since demand charges account for a large share of electricity costs here.