The minimum amount of electricity that a utility must provide to meet the consistent, ongoing needs of its customers. Historically, this steady demand was met by large power plants (like coal or nuclear) that ran continuously. Today, with more renewable energy, this minimum demand can be met by a flexible mix of various power sources, rather than relying solely on specific “baseload plants”.

• Baseload capacity:  The generating equipment normally operated to serve loads on an around-the-clock basis.
• Baseload plant:  A plant, usually housing high-efficiency steam-electric units, which produces electricity at an essentially constant rate and runs continuously. 

A technology that stores electrical energy in rechargeable batteries for later use. Batteries help stabilize the grid, manage energy demand, and increase the use of renewable energy.

Any energy resource that provides energy directly to a home or business without passing through a utility company’s meter. Examples include rooftop solar and microgrids.

Wind turbines erected in bodies of water that harness the power of wind, converting it into electricity that is then transmitted to the mainland to power homes and businesses. Offshore wind farms are considered a renewable energy source.

The real-time balancing of energy supply and demand to maintain frequency and voltage within safe operating limits. It is the shorter-term dimension of reliability and requires regular monitoring and control of the entire grid. It includes the ability to quickly respond to sudden changes, like the loss of a major power plant or transmission line, and to handle normal variations in supply and demand.

(see: Interconnection Queue)

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: 

• 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.