4 kw or less (well that's the idea)

[MR GUS]

I've found the folk on the Isle of Eigg as quite an inspiration, maybe not something I can always live to but definitely aspire too, seeing as I am around my Onzo monitor  mostly I do get a good idea of daily use & fluctuations, peak time etc.

Watching the islanders in a harsh environment avoid the the tripping of their supply & an engineer coming out to reinstate it if they exceed 4kw loads make me think & really check our useage.

Ok I don't claim to always match it however it does infuence me to try to use 1 appliance at a time eg kettle, then toaster, Oven only, washer for 2 loads of laundry with the first load still wet in the tumble drier (no option to drip dry) in order to run 2 loads one after the other in order not to lose excessive heat from it's previous load etc..

 delaying the dishwasher late into the night, ditto the washer (although that can cause a backlog on the drier & a late night dry session almost 24hrs later)

Surprisingly easy really.

However I know that the minute it gets truly cold we will fall down here.
So question is, what modifications & to what extent have the islanders fixed up the older stock to maintain supply in chillier times!?

Can anyone enlighten me via any blogs or owt they've stumbled actross by islanders themselves?

[DominicJ]

Well, I make no effort to use one item at a time, and happily have both ovens, two hobs, the kettle and the washer and dryer going when I need too, but do make an effort to use the washer/dryer/dishwasher ect at night.

The only modification I'd make would be to put my own circuit breakers in, set to trip at 3.95kw, 3.96kw, 3.97kw, each killing sequentialy unimportant loads and a final one to kill everything but lights at 3.98kw 
Calling out an "engineer" because the fridge and freezer both clicked on whilst you were boiling the kettle and making toast seems of questionable green benefit.