Load management for general connections

The load management dashboard as it applies to retailers and general connections:

What the 'load management dashboard' does

provides an overview of our current load levels
shows our dynamic control of hot water
shows the current "on" and "off" trigger points for peak periods
shows the current status of the peak period

For pricing and charging purposes you can also download a history of peak periods from the dashboard.

Peak period triggers

Peak periods are triggered when, in the absence of load management, load levels would otherwise peak. To estimate network loading in the absence of load management, we calculate the loading that would have occurred in the absence of load control - we call this the "uncontrolled load".

The peak period is then triggered on and off based on the level of uncontrolled load. We compare the current uncontrolled load with the "on" and "off" triggers to provide a real-time indication of when peak periods are likely to start and finish. Our load management system applies dead-bands and delays to ensure that the system remains stable - it may take a few minutes for an "on" or "off" trigger to operate.

We adjust the trigger points to ensure that peak periods only occur when load (and load shedding) is at its highest. Peak periods are restricted to only occur between 1 May and 31 August each year, and during this period we adjust the trigger points with the aim of accumulating a total of 100 to 150 hours of peak period at times of highest loading – usually during the coldest working weekday mornings and evenings.

How we notify peak periods

Peak periods are formally notified via a ripple signal. The chargeable peak period for our delivery charges is taken as average loading during the whole real-time half-hours that fall within the signalled peak period. Optionally, we can also notify via email and cellular text messaging, but these notifications are not guaranteed. To request email and/or text message notifications, please email your contact details to us.

Peak period current status

The current status of the peak period is provided in the second table on the dashboard - it will either show as "off" or "on". As a minimum, each peak period will run until it has covered a complete real-time half-hour (ensuring that a chargeable peak period occurs).

Peak period history

We provide a history of all signalled and chargeable peak periods in Excel format as part of the dashboard. You can download these spreadsheets which are updated regularly.