Grid Glossary

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ERCOT

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.

Essential reliability services

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
National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC)

A non-profit organization that represents state public service commissions, which regulate essential utility services like energy, telecommunications, and water. Its stated aim is to improve the quality and effectiveness of public utility regulation. It has eight committees:

  1. Consumer Affairs
  2. Critical Infrastructure
  3. Electricity
  4. Energy Resources & Environment
  5. Gas
  6. International Relations
  7. Telecommunications
  8. Water

It also has a task force focused on Innovation.

NERC

Non-profit organization that operates to assure the effective and efficient reduction of risks to the reliability and security of the grid. It oversees six regional reliability entities and encompasses all of the interconnected power systems of Canada and the contiguous United States, as well as a portion of the Mexican state of Baja California. Its responsibilities include working with all stakeholders to develop standards for power system operation, monitoring and enforcing compliance with those standards, assessing resource adequacy, and providing educational and training resources as part of an accreditation program. NERC also investigates and analyzes the causes of significant power system disturbances in order to help prevent future events and produces reports about the near and long-term reliability forecast.

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NOPR)

A document used by government agencies to announce a potential new rule or amendment to an existing one. This is an official part of the law-making process, allowing public comment before the rule is finalized. The acronym is frequently used by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC).

NREL

A government-owned, contractor-operated facility, funded and overseen by the United States Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). It specializes in the research and development of renewable energy, energy efficiency, energy systems integration, and sustainable transportation.

NYISO

New York ISO

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