THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE

The storage of heat energy during utility off-peak times at night, for use during the next day without incurring daytime peak electric rates.

A technology that lowers the amount of electricity needed for comfort conditioning during utility peak load periods. A buildings thermal energy storage system might, for example, use off-peak power to make ice or to chill water at night, later using the ice or chilled water in a power saving process for cooling during the day. See THERMAL MASS.