![]() |
Best Practice Guide |
|
Local Governments |
||
![]() |
|
Demand ResponseControl DevicesThe demand for peak load can mean the need for more power plants unless cities and local governments can conserve enough energy to avoid building new power plants. Automatic shut-off devices for air conditioners, water heaters, and other energy-using devices can help to alleviate stress placed on the grid during peak load periods and they lower overall energy consumption as a result. Furthermore, reducing demand at peak hours actually reduces the amount of pollution caused by generating power at peak times, as base load energy sources used at peak times tend to pollute more than non-base load energy sources. Check with your local utility to see if they offer peak-interruption or other load management programs. If not, consider advocating for such a program. Steps for implementing control devices:
Resources Building Sustainable Communities: An Environmental Guide for Local Government: Energy: Efficiency and Production, The Global Cities Projectâ„¢. Center for the Study of Law and Politics, July 1991. |