Abstract: In order to better study the maximum load composition, the maximum power load (referred to as maximum load) for real-time 8 760 hourly data of Anhui Province during the period from 2007 to 2012 is firstly analyzed in the paper, based on which a new method of load decomposition, the gradient temperature method, is proposed. The maximum load can be divided into basics load and air conditioning load according to its composition, and the latter can be divided into household and non-household air conditioning load according to electricity consumer's different tolerance levels of temperature. By using of this method, the historical sample period of load data is expanded and the factors that influence the load are sought conveniently. In the end, the relationship between the meteorological factors and load is analyzed, and the results show the correctness and feasibility of the decomposition method.