Seattle's steady march towards warmer summers has brought the concept of "peak load" into sharper focus for local utilities and residents alike. With temperatures skyrocketing, the city's energy infrastructure is put to the test, often culminating in its highest stress point - peak load. According to Seattle Powerlines, peak load is "when a utility reaches the highest level of energy that customers draw from an electrical system at any given period." This could span an hour, day, month, or year, with peak hours typically falling between 4 and 10 pm. Residents returning from work or school, simultaneously flipping on lights and appliances, contribute to this surge.
The repercussions of reaching peak load, especially during spells of intense heat, can be significant for everyone involved. During the stifling 2021 Heat Dome event, a record summer peak of 1533 MWh was reached—far outpacing the normal summer usage. City Light, which reported the statistic, underscored the strain such events can place on the electrical grid, sometimes resulting in unplanned outages.
Utility companies typically have strategies to address peak loads, but there are instances where the public's cooperation is essential. "There may be instances in the future where we may need to ask customers to conserve energy," reported Seattle Powerlines, acknowledging that collective conservation is critical to maintaining efficient energy distribution without overburdening the system.
