Grid Glossary

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Load

The amount of power or electricity consumed by a device or system at a given time. It’s the demand placed on an energy source, like a power grid or a battery, by the connected electrical equipment.

Load growth

The increase in the demand for electricity over time. It signifies the rising need for power from various sectors, including residential, commercial, and industrial, and can be driven by factors like population increases, economic development, and the adoption of new technologies like electric vehicles and data centers.

Load shed

A controlled process where a utility company reduces or shuts off power supply to certain areas or customers to balance demand with available supply, preventing a complete system failure. It’s a last-resort measure to maintain grid stability when demand exceeds supply or when there are issues with power generation or transmission.

Locational Marginal Price (LMP)

A way for wholesale electric energy prices to reflect the value of electric energy at different locations, accounting for the patterns of load, generation, and the physical limits of the transmission system.

Loss of Load Expectation (LOLE)

Analysis is typically performed on a system to determine the amount of capacity that needs to be installed to meet the desired reliability target, commonly expressed as an expected value, or LOLE of 0.1 days/year.

Watts

Measure of the rate of energy transfer over a unit of time, with one watt equal to one joule (J) per second.

Wind power

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.

Winter peaking

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: 

  • Strained energy grid: The high demand can strain the energy grid, which can cause utilities to work harder to meet the need.
  • Seasonal rate adjustments: Many energy providers adjust rates based on seasonal demand.
  • Increased use of lighting: Shorter and darker winter days can lead to greater use of in-home lighting.

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