In order that growth be sustainable in an urban environment, energy usage needs to be properly managed to avoid intolerable burdens on the infrastructure and the environment. The figure (right, click for larger version) shows typical electricity use on a winter's day in England and Wales. It can be seem that usage fluctuates during the day, peaking at "tea-time". Electricity could be used more efficiently and more overall growth could be sustained if this demand profile could be "smoothed". ERU are investigating the practical and sociological aspects of energy usage, energy efficiency, load management and renewable energy in an urban environment. 

ERU has carried out research into how energy demand in the city of Leicester can best be managed. This research was funded under an EPSRC grant and ERU, with its partners, developed a computer model with a GIS interface which allows a utility or urban planner to study a scenario which could involve a target for reduction of energy usage in a city or the significant movement or "churning" of load between one area and another.