Which term is used to describe electricity consumption patterns over a specific period?

The term "demand curve" is used to describe electricity consumption patterns over a specific period. It visually represents the relationship between the quantity of electricity consumed and the time it is consumed, illustrating peaks and troughs in demand over a designated timeframe. This curve is crucial for utility companies as it aids in understanding when demand spikes occur, enabling them to efficiently manage generation and distribution resources to ensure that supply meets demand.

While "electric load" refers to the total amount of electricity consumed at any given moment, and "consumption rate" generally describes the speed or volume of consumption per unit of time, these terms do not encapsulate the specific patterns of usage over a defined period as effectively as the demand curve. "Power factor" pertains to the efficiency of power usage, indicating how effectively the electrical power is being converted into useful work, rather than consumption patterns over time. Thus, the demand curve is the most accurate term for capturing those patterns.