Belastningsstyring

Belastningsstyring, or load management, refers to strategies and technologies aimed at influencing the demand for electrical energy by end users. Its purpose is to balance electricity supply and demand, improve grid reliability, reduce the need for expensive peak capacity, and facilitate the integration of intermittent renewable energy sources. By coordinating when and how electricity is used, utilities and customers can achieve greater efficiency and lower overall costs.

Two main approaches are commonly used. Price-based programs use tariffs or dynamic pricing to encourage customers to shift consumption away from peak periods. Incentive-based programs provide direct control or compensation to participants, for example through direct load control of devices like thermostats, water heaters, or electric vehicle chargers, or through agreements to reduce load during critical events. Technology such as smart meters, home energy management systems, and automated controls enables real-time or near-real-time responses.

Implementation often involves a combination of residential, commercial, and industrial applications. In households, demand response may adjust cooling or heating, water heating, or EV charging. In industrial settings, it can involve scheduling of processes, production line adjustments, or energy storage. The broader ecosystem includes regulatory frameworks, market mechanisms, data privacy and cybersecurity considerations, and standards for interoperability.

Benefits of belastningsstyring include peak shaving, reduced stress on the transmission and distribution system, deferred investments in infrastructure, improved integration of renewables, and potential cost savings for customers. Challenges include obtaining sufficient participation, ensuring measurement and verification of savings, balancing privacy with data collection, and coordinating across multiple stakeholders.