Höchstlast

Höchstlast, in the context of electrical power systems, denotes the maximum electrical load demanded on a power network within a specified period, typically measured in hours, days, or seasons. It represents the peak demand that generation, transmission, and ancillary services must be able to handle and is used alongside average or typical loads to plan and operate the grid.

The Höchstlast is influenced by factors such as weather, time of day, day of the week, and economic activity. Cold or hot weather tends to increase peak demand due to heating or cooling needs. In planning, Höchstlast informs the sizing of generation capacity, transmission capacity, and reserve margins required to maintain reliability during peak periods. It is often determined from historical load data and forecast models and expressed in units such as megawatts (MW) or gigawatts (GW).

Measurement and forecasting rely on metering, SCADA systems, and load-forecasting methodologies. The Höchstlast differs from the instantaneous Spitzenlast, which is the highest value observed at a particular moment within a period, and from the average system load. Utilities and system operators use the concept to plan capacity auctions, investment in generation and transmission, and reliability standards.

To manage Höchstlast, strategies such as peak shaving, demand response, time-of-use pricing, and energy storage are employed. These measures aim to reduce or shift peak demand, improving system flexibility and reducing the need for expensive peak-capacity resources.