The possibilities for electric utilities to optimize energy procurement are dependent on factors, such as: * own generation capability * energy import/export contracts * load management facility In companies which mainly distribute electrical energy, minor generation and load management is predominantly used for optimizing the energy import. Import contracts can define conditions, as for example: * tariffs depending on time of day, kind of day-type and season * minimum and maximum energy to be imported in a defined time interval * discount when importing more than a defined energy amount in a given time period * average half-hourly or quarter-hourly maximum demand values to be adhered to In the control centre of the Pfalzwerke AG, programs for optimizing the energy procurement are incorporated. A main element in the optimizing strategy is the load management. Load management is achieved by ripple control of storage heaters, having an installed capacity of approximately 65% of the peak load. The paper deals with the procedures for energy import optimization based on the results of a load forecast program. Special emphasis is put on load management and the investigations for modelling the load behaviour depending on season, kind of day and temperature. In addition, practical aspects in exceptional situations, such as equipment failures, are handled.
