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.

The mechanism for choosing the lowest cost energy option that meets energy needs, which gives cheaper renewable energy and battery storage an edge. 

• Uneconomic dispatch – when a grid operator/utility chooses a higher-priced energy option, or above market-rate source, to meet electricity needs. This has emerged as a significant problem in areas where United States utilities are operating coal plants that can’t compete on cost with gas-fueled facilities and renewables. This practice allows utilities to continue to collect the costs of fuel and operations from customers to pay off their investment in the power plant.

Measurement used to calculate how much an energy resource–such as a wind farm or solar array–contributes to the overall reliability of the grid. It assesses the resource’s ability to meet electricity demand, particularly during peak usage periods, and is especially useful for variable renewable energy sources whose output depends on factors like weather conditions. 

Measures that reduce electricity use in a home or business. These measures include replacing inefficient heating and air conditioners with heat pumps, adding attic insulation, and sealing ducts and foundation, walls, roof, windows, and doors of buildings. It also includes replacing energy-intensive appliances with more efficient ones. These measures can provide energy savings, improve comfort, and increase property values.

Connecting new generation to the grid with minimal transmission upgrades and managing impacts through operational strategies rather than extensive upfront infrastructure investments. This approach, often referred to as “connect and manage,” prioritizes adding generation capacity quickly while relying on the grid operator to manage any resulting operational constraints. It requires new resources to risk curtailment (where the generator is asked to stop supplying power to the grid when supply is too high). The process has allowed Texas’ ERCOT to connect record numbers of new clean projects in the last several years significantly faster than other regions. 

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas serves as an independent system operator (ISO), managing the flow of electrical power over transmission infrastructure in the state of Texas.

A combination of automated and manual controls grid operators adjust to maintain grid reliability by ensuring a balance between supply (generation) and demand (load). They generally consist of three main aspects:

• frequency response – short-term adjustments to maintain the grid’s oscillations at 60 hz), 
• balancing – related to frequency response but on longer time frames, to, for e.g., plan for energy resource outages due to maintenance, and 
• voltage control – involves magnetic waves to allow for the movement of watts of energy

Midcontinent Independent System Operator, serves northern Midwest, southeast, and parts of Canada

(see: Interconnection Queue)

For electricity infrastructure, like power lines and generating facilities, these requirements involve a range of considerations, including safety, environmental impact, and community engagement. Specific regulations vary by location and project type, but generally include distance requirements from existing infrastructure, environmental assessments, and engagement with landowners and stakeholders.

The conversion of sunlight into electricity using photovoltaics (PV) or solar thermal technologies. It’s a renewable energy source that is becoming increasingly important in the global energy landscape due to its sustainability and decreasing costs.

Refers to the real-time wholesale cost of electricity that fluctuates based on supply, demand, weather, and grid conditions.

Southwest Power Pool

Generators with turbines rotating in sync with the grid frequency. They include large-scale thermal (coal and gas) and hydropower plants.

A network of distributed energy resources—like rooftop solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, and smart water heaters—that work together to balance energy supply and demand on a large scale. They are usually run by local utility companies that oversee this balancing act.

Often described as the “pressure” that pushes electric current through a circuit. It’s measured in volts (V) and is essentially the energy per unit charge. Think of it like water pressure: the higher the voltage, the greater the “push” on electrons, and the more current can flow.

Maintaining stable voltage on the grid  is critical to keeping the lights on and avoiding equipment damage. Voltage is not consistent across the grid, though it is locally constant, with higher voltages used for longer transmission lines and lower voltages used at the distribution level.

• Voltage support – The ability of a power system to maintain stable voltage levels within a desired range, even during fluctuations or disturbances. It’s crucial for ensuring a reliable electricity supply and preventing equipment damage. Generally, it is achieved by a grid maintaining reactive power via generating units or other equipment absorbing or adding reactive power.