Also known as real or true power, is the portion of electrical power that does useful work in a circuit, such as generating heat, light, or mechanical energy. (see related: reactive power)
A preliminary document used by government agencies to solicit public feedback on potential new rules or reforms before they are officially proposed. It outlines initial ideas, asks specific questions, and serves as the first step in a larger regulatory process. The acronym is frequently used by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC). It precedes a formal Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR) and allows agencies to gauge public opinion and gather information to develop a more informed proposal.
(see also: Essential reliability services) – Supplementary services essential for maintaining the reliable operation and stability of the electrical grid beyond the basic generation and transmission of energy. They are “behind-the-scenes” services that include real-time balancing of electricity supply and demand, maintaining voltage levels, and providing the capability to restart the grid after a widespread outage (black start).
Is an automated system that continuously monitors the electrical network and adjusts the power output of multiple generators. Its primary functions are to maintain system frequency (60 Hz in United States), in response to changes in the power demand, or load.
California ISO
The maximum amount of power an energy source can physically produce (measured in megawatts/MW), or when referring to an electrical grid, the total amount of electricity that power plants connected to the grid are capable of producing. It’s essentially the total potential output of all the electricity sources, like coal, nuclear, hydro, wind, and solar plants. Meanwhile, energy is the actual output of a source over a particular time period.
Generally, participants submit sealed bids to offer capacity at specific prices. The auction ends when the total capacity offered matches the region’s needs, and a single clearing price is set for all commitments.
An energy source that generates electricity with zero- or extremely low-carbon emissions, and can do so when needed, regardless of weather conditions. They include enhanced geothermal energy and advanced nuclear technologies. They also can include solar or wind paired with battery storage to provide on-demand power supply regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
Refers to a regulatory approach for connecting new power generators to the electrical grid, notably used in Texas (ERCOT). This approach allows new generators to connect expeditiously with minimal upfront transmission upgrades. However, the grid operator retains the right to curtail their output if transmission constraints arise. This contrasts with approaches where developers pay for upgrades prior to connection. (see Energy-only interconnection approaches)
An accelerated stakeholder process used in PJM Interconnection to resolve urgent, contentious, and time-sensitive issues that cannot be resolved through the normal stakeholder process. The process involves several stages of discussion and proposal development, culminating in a submission to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for approval. The CIFP process has been used in recent years to discuss large load additions (2025) and resource adequacy (2023).
Measure of the rate of energy transfer over a unit of time, with one watt equal to one joule (J) per second.
A form of renewable energy that uses the kinetic energy of wind to generate electricity. It involves capturing the wind’s energy through turbines, which then convert this mechanical energy into electricity. Modern wind power generation primarily relies on wind turbines, often grouped into wind farms, connected to the electrical grid.
The increase in energy demand during the winter months, usually due to heating needs. This can lead to higher energy prices and bills for a number of reasons, including:
