Can facilities with a flat electric rate justify Off Peak Cooling?
Flat electric rates are, in most all cases, determined by the electric load factor. Most flat rates are available in deregulated markets where negotiating rates is part of the process. A peaking electric load profile is more expensive to service than a flat load profile so if changes to the load profile can be made better rates can be negotiated. Off peak cooling is an effective way to change an electrical load profile. Cooling is typically 40% of peak demand shifting a portion of the load to off peak can improve the load factor and the flat rate charged by the utility.
