The mechanism for choosing the lowest cost energy option that meets energy needs, which gives cheaper renewable energy and battery storage an edge.
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:
(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 type of power station in which the heat energy generated from various fuel sources (e.g., coal, natural gas, nuclear fuel, etc.) is converted to electrical energy.
The maximum amount of electrical power that can be reliably moved from one geographic region of the power grid to another, essentially indicating the ability of the transmission lines connecting those regions to transport electricity between them without causing instability or exceeding safety limits. It’s a crucial concept for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of the power system, particularly in the context of electricity markets and grid planning.
Equipment used to increase and decrease voltages at grid interfaces.
The process (and infrastructure) of moving large amounts of electrical power over long distances from where it is generated, like a power plant, to substations closer to consumers.
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.
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.
