The duck curve in electricity demand

Angeliki N. Menegaki

Chapter 115 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Energy Economics, 2025, pp 438-440 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The “duck curve” is jargon in the energy industry that refers to a graph having the shape of a duck and showing the amount of power dispatched by the grid across the day. The term appeared in around 2012 and was established by the California Independent System Operator (CAISO) in the United States. It refers to the so-called duck problem that is encountered in economies with high penetration by solar power. Electricity generated from solar power starts decreasing until complete darkness falls, when there is no more sunshine. Unless there are sufficient solar energy storage amendments, the electricity demand at nighttime has to be met with other energy sources, either renewable or nonrenewable ones. The problem with evening times is that at those times demand reaches a peak because household members are at home and in need of electric power to satisfy all household needs.

Keywords: Duck Curve; Electricity; High Demand; Low Demand (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781035310364
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