Power/energy creative electric load management: New fools for the utilities include rate options, clock-actuated switches, radio control, and ripple control systems

The Wisconsin Public Service Commission has ordered the Madison Gas and Electric Company to devise a rate structure in which its customers would pay for electricity at a rate closely related to the cost of producing and supplying it. In New England, the Central Vermont Public Service Corporation has introduced a rate option in which electricity used from 8-11 a.m. and from 5-9 p.m. costs six times more than that used outside these hours. What is behind these moves?