Electrical Maximum Demand [upd] Jun 2026

By understanding and actively managing your Maximum Demand, you can turn a hidden cost into a significant savings opportunity—all while reducing strain on the electrical grid.

Avoid starting large equipment at the same time. electrical maximum demand

If your utility uses a 30-minute interval, a 10-minute heavy load is averaged down. If they use a 5-minute interval, that same load will cause a higher MD. Know your interval to plan your staggering schedule. By understanding and actively managing your Maximum Demand,

"I think we’re okay," Mark sighed, wiping his forehead. "I'm going to go down to the basement to check on the backup generator fuel levels. Keep an eye on things." If they use a 5-minute interval, that same

Think of it like the "peak traffic hour" for your electricity usage. Even if you use very little power for 23 hours a day, the utility company must be ready to supply your one hour of heavy usage. Your Maximum Demand charge reflects that peak capacity they must reserve for you.

Sarah pointed to a red line on the software interface, set at 2,000 kVA (Kilovolt-amperes). "That’s our contractual limit with the utility company. That red line represents our . That is the highest average power we draw over a specific time window—usually 15 or 30 minutes. If we cross that line, even for a second, the circuit breakers will trip, and the whole building goes dark."