Say Watt? There’s a Usage Distinction

Regarding the Dec. 21 article [“Power to the People”] giving information to help one make an informed decision on the new era of Utility deregulation: The article was very good and gave much more information than has been heretofore available. However, there is one area that needs correction and one that needs further explanation.

Where you discuss the level where the 10% bill reduction starts, you mention 20-kilowatt-hour demand where it should refer to 20-kilowatt demand. The term “kilowatt demand” refers to short period peak use of energy, whereas adding the “hour” refers to the total over time, which is incorrect in this context. Most residential users know nothing of their demand, but only of their total monthly usage in kilowatt-hours. Most fall within this range, however, for the reduction.

CHARLES PHILLIPS

Mission Viejo