Electricity demand refers to the rate at which your business draws power from the grid at any given moment. It is typically measured in kilowatts (kW) and reflects the size of the equipment you operate and how much of it runs at the same time. A high demand reading means your company is using many high‑powered machines or running them simultaneously, which can trigger higher demand charges on your bill.
Range describes how much your demand fluctuates over a billing period. It is the difference between your highest demand (your peak usage) and your lowest demand (your minimum usage). A wider range suggests that your operations vary significantly from hour to hour or day to day, while a smaller range indicates more consistent consumption.
Load, sometimes called energy consumption, is the total amount of electricity used over time. It is measured in kilowatt‑hours (kWh) and is calculated by multiplying your demand by the number of hours the demand is maintained. Load takes into account both how much power you draw and how long you use it. Studying your load profile—how your consumption rises and falls throughout the day—can help you choose the right tariff and identify opportunities to shift usage to off‑peak periods or reduce overall energy use.
By understanding demand, range and load, businesses can better interpret their electricity bills and find ways to reduce costs through demand management, peak shaving and energy efficiency.