Load and Generation Curves

The 24-Hour Load Curve

Electricity demand is not constant — it follows a predictable daily pattern shaped by human activity.

This simulation has two types of load:

• Residential Load: peaks in the evening (6–9 PM) when people get home, cook, and turn on TVs. Low overnight.
• Commercial Load: peaks at midday (11 AM–2 PM) when offices, shops, and HVAC systems run at full tilt. Lower in evenings.

Together they form the daily load curve — the shape that grid operators must balance every hour. A single large nuclear plant covers all demand so the price stays flat at $25/MWh today. But that won't always be the case.