profile can be inferred from customer billing or other data. An example of a practical calculation used by utilities is using a transformer's maximum demand reading and taking into account the known number of each customer type supplied by these transformers. This process is called load research. Actual demand can be collected at strategic locations to perform more detailed load analysis; this is beneficial to both distribution and end-user customers looking for peak consumption. Smart grid meters, utility meter load profilers, data logging sub-meters and portable data loggers are designed to accomplish this task by recording readings at a set interval. See also Cost of electricity by source Duck curve Electricity generation Electric power transmission Electric power distribution Load duration curve Peak demand Vehicle-to-grid Unit commitment problem in electrical power production Duty cycle References Electronic engineering Electric power Electrical systems