verkkohuipun

Verkkohuippu is a Finnish term used in the energy sector to describe the peak load on an electrical grid. It refers to the highest amount of electrical power drawn from the transmission or distribution network during a defined reporting interval, typically an hour or a 15-minute period within a day or month. The figure is usually expressed in megawatts (MW) and indicates the maximum demand placed on the grid by end users.

The concept is important for planning and reliability. Verkkohuippu informs capacity planning for generation and transmission, helps determine reserve requirements, and influences grid investments and system security. It also plays a role in the design of certain tariffs or contracts where customers are charged based on their peak demand, encouraging load management.

Several factors affect verkkohuippu, including weather conditions, heating and cooling demand, industrial activity, and the calendar (weekdays versus holidays). The rise of electrification, distributed generation, and variable renewable energy can shift peak timing and magnitude, creating new challenges for grid operators.

Measurement and reporting of the grid peak are carried out by system operators and market participants, with Fingrid serving as the Finnish transmission system operator in the Nordic context. Strategies to manage verkkohuippu include demand-side management, time-of-use tariffs, energy storage, and flexible generation, all aimed at reducing or shaving peak demand while maintaining reliability.