[lambertsimnel]

Why does grid electricity usage peak on hot summer afternoons? If it's because of air conditioning, it's probably not universal.

I imagine hot summer afternoons are a time when factories operate below capacity (or not at all), and people heat their homes less and spend more time outside away from TV, etc.

[ptaipale]

Certainly not universal. Could be true in California or Texas, possibly. For sure it's not here.

Where I live, the peak is a winter morning which is windless and therefore particularly cold, at 8:00 (before sunrise). Solar output is zero, wind power output is zero. Everyone turns extra heaters on, puts the kettle on to make a hot cup before taking a warm shower.

[stale2002]

The point isn't that it is 100% universal for all places. The point is that it is true for most places.

[ptaipale]

[citation needed]