peak demand

USAGE SUMMARY

"peak demand" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to refer to the greatest amount of a given resource or service that is needed at a given time. For example, "The peak demand for electricity on a hot summer day can place a strain on the local power grid."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Peak demand is the problem.

The New York Times

Transport infrastructures are out of kilter with peak demand.

The Guardian - Opinion

Last year peak demand outstripped supply by almost 15%.

The Economist

The state's power supply simply can no longer keep up with peak demand, they warn.

The New York Times

Peak demand periods during the winter are expected to be weekdays between November and February.

The Guardian - Business

It was the second-highest peak demand ever recorded by the utility.

The New York Times

While reducing peak demand cuts carbon today, Sainsbury's is also mindful of the future.

The Guardian

Peak demand across the metropolitan region is up 10percentt in four years.

The New York Times

This flattens out electricity loads and minimizes periods of peak demand.

The New York Times

Here, peak demand occurs between 5pm and 7pm on winter evenings.

The Guardian

Blackouts are often caused by summer heat, as peak demand strains the system and equipment overheats.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing energy or resource management, use "peak demand" to refer to the period when the need is highest. Understanding and managing "peak demand" is crucial for efficient distribution and cost savings.

Common error

Avoid using "peak demand" when you actually mean "peak supply". "Peak demand" refers to the highest level of need, while peak supply refers to the highest level of availability. Make sure your language accurately reflects whether you're talking about need or availability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peak demand" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It identifies the period or point of maximum requirement or consumption of a particular resource or service. As Ludwig AI states, it refers to the greatest amount of a resource or service that is needed at a given time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

39%

Formal & Business

14%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "peak demand" is a noun phrase used to describe the highest level of need or consumption for a resource or service during a given period. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business settings. Its primary function is to inform about critical periods for resource management, infrastructure planning, and pricing strategies. Related phrases include "high demand period" and "maximum load", which offer similar meanings with slight nuances. When using "peak demand", remember it refers to a need or request not an availability. The phrase is a very common expression across different fields.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high demand period

Focuses on the temporal aspect of high demand, indicating a specific time frame.

maximum load

Emphasizes the highest level of load or capacity being utilized, often in technical contexts.

peak load

Similar to "peak demand", but more commonly used in the context of electricity or power supply.

surge in demand

Highlights a sudden increase in demand, suggesting a rapid change in consumption.

highest consumption rate

Focuses on the rate of consumption at its maximum, often used in resource management contexts.

peak usage

Refers to the time when a service or product is used the most.

maximum requirement

Emphasizes the highest level of necessity or requirement for a particular resource or service.

critical demand

Highlights the urgency and importance of meeting the demand during peak times.

intense demand

Focuses on the high degree or strength of the demand.

high-pressure demand

Conveys the stress or urgency associated with meeting the demand during peak periods.

FAQs

How is "peak demand" typically measured?

"Peak demand" is usually measured in units relevant to the specific resource or service. For example, in the context of electricity, it is measured in megawatts (MW) or gigawatts (GW), while in transportation, it might be measured by the number of vehicles or passengers during a specific time.

What are some strategies to reduce "peak demand"?

Strategies to reduce "peak demand" include implementing demand response programs, using energy storage solutions, promoting energy efficiency, and implementing variable pricing to shift demand to off-peak times. For example, strategies to reduce peak demand in the energy sector includes "demand response" programs.

What is the difference between "peak demand" and average demand?

"Peak demand" refers to the highest level of demand during a specific period, while average demand is the mean level of demand over that same period. Understanding both is crucial for capacity planning and resource allocation. For example, while it is valuable to know the "peak load" on a power grid, understanding average usage will help with base load power generation.

How does "peak demand" affect pricing?

"Peak demand" often leads to higher prices due to increased strain on resources and infrastructure. This can result in strategies like surge pricing or time-of-use rates, where prices are higher during "peak demand" periods to reflect the increased cost of providing the service.