API Reference

Net load

Net load (also called residual load), in MW.

Net load represents the remaining load that must be met by sources other than wind and solar to maintain grid stability. It is also referred to as net demand or net consumption.

Calculation

Electricity Maps calculates net load using total reported load from the grid operator, minus wind and solar generation.

Flow tracing

Two forms of net load are available:

  • Domestic generation: subtracts domestic wind and solar generation from the grid operator's reported load.
  • Flow-traced: subtracts flow-traced wind and solar from the grid operator's reported load, taking imports and exports into account.

See flow tracing for how electricity flows are accounted for, or the load signal comparison for help choosing a signal.