A method of providing a limited resource to a plurality of users that
aggregates the plurality of users into a purchasing block, arranges for
the availability of the resource and regulates the use of the resource by
each of the users based on each of the user's need for the resource so
that a particular user having a greater need for the resource receives a
greater provision of the resource while controlling usage of the resource
to maintain aggregated usage below a predetermined level. The method is
implemented through the use of an aggregation controller and a plurality
of consumer resource controllers located at consumers' facilities.
Communication between the aggregation controller and the consumer
resource controllers is achieved through the use of a communication
network, such as the Internet.