Demand side response has the potential to reduce peak demand and ease impending peak generation capacity shortages. "Peak Energy Demand and Demand Side Response" examines instances where this may be utilised as a consequence of expected plant closures over the coming decade in the UK, Netherlands and Germany, and intermittent generation in Spain and Italy. The environmental impacts of stand-by power plants with higher greenhouse gas emissions and higher system costs are also examined, as well as consumer behaviour in response to changes in the price of energy and incentives for energy saving.