Electricity and peak demand

Sir, – Charging more for electricity at peak times has merit. However, aside from night rates, when cheaper electricity is available, the difference between peak and off-peak day rates is small.

Accordingly there is little incentive for consumers to change their daytime usage profiles to avail of off-peak rates.

The credits on customer accounts provided by Government to offset rising prices may be availed of at any time of day and provide no incentive for users to modify their demand profiles.

It would be better if Government credits were applied in such a way as to reinforce the difference between peak and off-peak day rates: no credit given at times of peak demand! – Yours, etc,