system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: If the power grid can't store power and the amount of energy produced doesn't change, why do they ask us to limit our use?
gpt
The amount of energy produced DOES change, a lot. Late at night, production can drop to half the level of the mid-afternoon peak (when people run the lights and AC both at work and at home).

The grid can only handle so much power -- usually there's somewhat more power plant capacity than grid ability to distribute it. Usually, requests to minimize use come on hot summer days, when everyone is blasting AC.

Keep in mind that we run the cheapest source, best plants first (nukes run 24/7 as "base" power), and save the most expensive plants (emergency backup plants) for the last resort -- when demand is highest. So society can keep power costs down by reducing the peaks. Run your washer/dryer/dishwasher late at night, and turn down the AC on hot afternoons.