Energy Decision #10: Load Shifting Explained

Load Shifting (Peak to Off-Peak) is the practice of moving electricity use from high‑cost peak periods to lower‑cost off‑peak periods so commercial and industrial facilities can lower power costs without touching their critical path. In this episode, we break down how time‑of‑use rates, demand charges, and your actual schedule fit together so you can see when load shifting is a real financial lever and when it is just a slide in a vendor deck. This is Energy Decision #11 in the complete C&I energy management series from Tactical Energy Group. 100 decisions. Every one that matters. In this episode, Daniel Burke covers: • The core idea of load shifting for operators and how it differs from efficiency • How time‑of‑use rates and demand charges create the incentive to cut peak demand • Common shiftable loads by sector: HVAC, batch processes, pumps, forklifts, and non‑critical computing tasks • Implementation methods: manual scheduling, BMS and EMS automation, Thermal Energy Storage, and Battery Energy Storage Systems • Key metrics like peak demand in kW, energy (kWh) by TOU period, load factor, and shiftable load percentage • Capital cost ranges, simple payback period, and ROI for TES, BESS, and advanced controls • The gap between theoretical “shiftable” loads and what your production schedule will actually allow • The practical difference between load shifting and peak shaving in vendor conversations_ Who this is for: plant managers, facility managers, superintendents, COOs, and energy managers at manufacturers, commercial buildings, warehouses, water treatment plants, and agricultural operations who are tired of reacting to the bill and want a clear path to using load shifting on their terms. If you're trying to figure out how your facility can implement load shifting to minimize energy costs and still protect operational schedules, this episode is built for you.