peak load

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'peak load' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to refer to a time when the demand for a certain service or product is at its highest. You can use it in situations where you are talking about a time of high demand or when demand is expected to increase. For example, "We have to plan for the peak load periods during the summer months when demand for air conditioning is higher."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

LIPA is projecting the peak load for Long Island for the summer of 2002 to be 4,600 megawatts.

The New York Times

There are several small reasons that consumption grows while peak load does not.

The New York Times

Suppose the summer peak load also included plug-in electric cars?

The New York Times

It is roughly 10,000 times the peak load of a typical house, not 1,000.

The New York Times

This can cut the peak load by as much as 55%.

The Economist

Trimming the peak load by a few percentage points means getting more use out of existing equipment.

The New York Times

In a blunt, low-tech way, utilities have tried for years to cut peaks in demand for power, which they call peak load.

The New York Times

To the surprise of many experts, Con Ed raised those projections this spring, saying it expected a peak load of 12,225 megawatts.

The New York Times

Its electrical load was 10,188 megawatts this afternoon, much lower than its record peak load of 11,850 megawatts in July 1999.

The New York Times

New Jersey had an effective program in the mid-1990's to pay energy service contractors for measured and verifiable energy reductions in summer peak load.

The New York Times

The units, which will provide both base load and peak load power to the Olympics village and venues, feature GE's latest emissions technology.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing energy consumption, clarify the time frame for the "peak load" (e.g., "daily peak load", "annual peak load") to provide context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "peak load" when you actually mean average load. "Peak load" refers to the maximum demand at a specific point in time, while average load represents the typical demand over a period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "peak load" functions as a noun phrase, often acting as a subject or object in sentences related to energy consumption, engineering, and infrastructure. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage, with numerous examples illustrating its role in describing maximum demand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "peak load" is a common and grammatically sound phrase referring to the maximum demand or load at a specific time. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used across various domains, particularly science, news, and business, making it essential for understanding resource management and infrastructure planning. While alternatives like "maximum demand" and "peak demand" exist, "peak load" remains a clear and widely accepted term. When discussing "peak load", clarity is paramount, ensuring that the specific timeframe and resource are explicitly defined to prevent confusion. Being aware of the difference between "peak load" and average load helps in using the term more accurately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

peak demand

Synonymous with "peak load", often used interchangeably.

maximum demand

Focuses on the highest level of demand observed.

highest load

Emphasizes the load quantity at its maximum point.

maximum draw

Refers to the highest amount of power or resources consumed.

highest usage

Emphasizes the level of utilization at its maximum.

peak capacity

Refers to the maximum amount that something can contain or produce.

maximum utilization

Similar to "highest usage", but focuses on efficiency.

maximum capacity

Similar to "peak capacity", but emphasizes the overall limit.

maximum stress

Highlights the point of greatest pressure or force.

maximum throughput

Refers to the maximum rate of processing or production.

FAQs

How is "peak load" typically measured?

The "peak load" is usually measured in units of power, such as megawatts (MW) or kilowatts (kW), representing the maximum electrical demand at a specific time.

What are common strategies for reducing "peak load"?

Strategies include demand response programs, energy storage, and promoting energy efficiency to shift or reduce consumption during peak periods.

What's the difference between "peak load" and "base load"?

"Peak load" refers to the maximum electricity demand, while "base load" is the minimum, constant level of electricity demand required to meet essential needs.

Why is it important to manage "peak load" in power grids?

Managing "peak load" helps prevent overloading the grid, improves reliability, and reduces the need for expensive infrastructure upgrades. It can also lower electricity costs for consumers.