Quote Originally Posted by lynn comstock View Post
It really depends on the peak load capacity of the utility. Cutting AC load reduces peak load and makes the utilities more profitable. Why? Because peak loading consumes the most expensive electricity as most of the time the equipment needed is on standby. Also, if peak demand grows, new power plants must be planned and constructed.
Another thing about the utility point of view, is usually a cut in residential demand (peak KW) goes hand in hand with a cut in energy (KWH). Since most utility tariffs are based simply on KWH, they have trouble wanting that. A very specific program to cut demand, with repayment from the utility commission for their "negawatts", would be a clear exception.

I know the Houston area utility invested in some programs to manage demand, and their request for repayment was rejected by the utility commission. So they may view conservation with some suspicion, at the top management level.

Regards -- Pstu