Canonical Definition
Metered demand is the maximum rate of electricity use actually recorded by the meter during a billing period, typically measured as the highest average load over a defined demand interval such as 15 or 30 minutes, expressed in kW or kVA. It reflects raw measurement before any tariff adjustments. Metered demand may differ from billing demand when ratchets, minimums, or power factor adjustments apply.
Explanations
Metered demand is the highest power use your meter actually recorded during the period. It is usually measured as your average use over a short window, like 15 or 30 minutes. It shows your real peak before any rate rules change it. The number you are billed on is called billing demand. It may match, or rate plan rules may adjust it.
Metered demand is the biggest burst of power your meter saw this month. It is like your top speed on a road trip.
Analogy Bank
Metered demand is like the maximum heart rate your watch recorded this month — the highest sustained burst the meter actually saw.
It's like the high-score line in a video game: the single biggest short stretch gets remembered for the whole period.
For a business, it's the raw peak reading before any contract math — like gross weight before any adjustments are applied.
Do Not Say
- ✕Do not present metered demand as the amount billed; billing demand may differ after tariff adjustments.
- ✕Do not state the demand interval length for a specific customer; intervals vary by utility and rate.