Abstract: A distributed load processing system for shedding and/or adding loads controlled by a plurality of processors for maintaining power demand by the loads below a predetermined amount including a common communication channel, a plurality of processors connected to the common communication channel, a demand meter for sensing the power consumption per sample period so that the power consumption per sample period can be transmitted to all of the processors, wherein each processor compares the demand limit established for the system to the projected power per interval being consumed, and for shedding and/or adding its associated loads based upon this comparison to maintain power consumption per interval below the demand limit.

Abstract: A load shedding system for shedding loads within a building to maintain power demand within the building below a predetermined level (i.e. current demand limit) wherein the loads which can be shed are those which affect or control actual conditions in the zones associated with the loads is disclosed having condition sensors for sensing conditions such as temperature in the zones of a building and a control apparatus responsive to the conditions being sensed by the condition sensors and connected to the loads for shedding the loads in order of those loads affecting or controlling the zones having the least deviation between the actual condition and a desired condition being shed first and those loads affecting or controlling those zones having the most deviation being shed last to maintain power demand below the predetermined level.