Resource usage transition hints

Asserting a request for a plurality of usage devices to change their usage of a resource from an original usage such as reducing power. Receiving a response to the request from the usage devices and asserting a hint to those of the plurality of usage devices for which a response has not been received, that a refusal in response to the request is preferred over an acceptance. This may be based on the initial request having to be changed or reversed. There is also provided a usage device which receives a request from the control apparatus and receives a hint from the control apparatus that a refusal in response to the request is optional and preferred. There is a control apparatus which asserts the request for a control apparatus to change the usage device's usage of a resource from an original usage. A determination is made of whether the request is to be met based on at least one of the requests and the hint and providing a response to the request based on the determination.