Refers to a period at the beginning of the year, usually between December 1 and March 30, when the use of heating systems creates the strongest demand for energy in areas with cold winter weather. Winter peak does not refer to the winter season as a whole, but only to a specific period during that season when demand is heaviest. Winter peak need not even occur within the winter season. During a year with a particularly cold snap in early December or late March, it could occur in the late autumn or early spring.

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