ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade Non-US Electrical Systems & Trades Standard residential wiring

>Hmm, 16A service $30 per year, 25A service
>$250 per year -- That's quite a difference!

That's why power limiters are sometimes used in Sweden. They act like intelligent main fuses. If the current draw is too large (e.g. kettle and vaccum cleaner used at the same time) it shuts of some non-critical load, typically the water heater and the electric heating. (Electric heating is very common here)

Interesting thread. In the US, codes usually require a 100-amp 240-volt service as a minimum, but for customers in arrears these "service limiter" adapters are available. Tariffs are usually based on a "flat" monthly meter charge {independent of mains rating, AFAIK} plus kWh... average ~10¢/per or so.
http://www.marwellcorp.com/catalog/limiter.htm
http://www.marwellcorp.com/catalog/ftp/E-SpcAcc.pdf page 2