Effects of electric utility residential conservation programs on hourly load profiles

This paper discusses the potential of using hourly energy simulation models to determine load shape changes resulting from energy conservation activities. It is determined that shifts in the time and the day of the monthly peak demand may occur as the level of conservation increases. The shifting of the peak was from weather-sensitive periods to less-weather-sensitive periods. Seasonal load profile changes resulting from energy conservation were demonstrated. A statistically significant quadratic relationship was identified between the annual percent reduction and annual percent energy conserved for the different distribution systems examined. The relationships are examined between different levels of residential energy conservation from weatherization and heat pumps on the hourly load profiles of different power distribution systems within the TVA power service area.