Abstract: A control device for controlling an energy consumption of a load on an electricity grid includes a sensor for sensing over a period of time values of a physical variable of the grid, where the physical variable varies in dependence on a relationship between electricity generation and load on the grid. The control device also includes apparatus for varying the energy consumption of said load.

Abstract: A load control device which is responsive to a physical variable representing the balance between load and generation on an electricity grid. The control device varies the energy consumption of the load based on the current value of the physical variable of the grid relative to a central value of that physical variable, which is derived from past readings of the physical variable of the grid. The grid responsive control device also takes into account the time since the load last varied its energy consumption in determining whether or not the grid variable load control should be provided.

Abstract: A control device for controlling an energy consumption of a load on an electricity grid includes a sensor for sensing over a period of time values of a physical variable of the grid, where the physical variable varies in dependence on a relationship between electricity generation and load on the grid. The control device also includes apparatus for varying the energy consumption of said load.

Abstract: The invention provides control of an electric load receiving power from a grid. The frequency of the grid is detected and used to determine a stress level on the grid. A high frequency detection is indicative of too little a load for the electrical power being supplied to the grid and, therefore, a low stress condition. A high stress condition may exist if there is too much load for the power being supplied to the grid. Adjustment of the power consumption of the load is prevented if the high and/or low stress states is determined. If a critical high or low stress condition is determined, the load is either prevented from consuming power completely or the load is set to a maximum power consumption state, respectively. The benefits of the invention are increased if the device is combined with a load controller which operates to control power consumption based on grid frequency and a variable, which, for the particular load, is to be kept within controlled limits.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided in which the use or provision of a resource or service can be optimised based on data indicative of the benefits of using or providing the resource or service at one or more future times. The service could be the provision of electricity to an appliance or device. A retailer or distributor of the electricity could transmit future prices of the electricity based on the expected supply and demand for the electricity. An apparatus could receive the future prices and set a timing of an appliance or device to use or provide the electricity in order to optimise the cost of the use or provision of electricity. Other resources and services are also applicable, such as road network usage, telecoms or gas provision or usage. The usage or provision of the resource or service by the appliance or device can be metered and the amount of resource or service used or provided can be billed using the given indication of a benefit at particular future times, e.g. using the given future prices.

Abstract: A load control device which is responsive to a physical variable representing the balance between load and generation on an electricity grid. The control device varies the energy consumption of the load based on the current value of the physical variable of the grid relative to a central value of that physical variable, which is derived from past readings of the physical variable of the grid. The grid responsive control device also takes into account the time since the load last varied its energy consumption in determining whether or not the grid variable load control should be provided.