An independent agency that regulates the interstate transmission of natural gas, oil, and electricity. FERC also regulates natural gas and hydropower projects.
A United States law primarily regulating the interstate transmission and sale of electricity and the development of hydroelectric power. It was responsible for creating the body now known as FERC. It was created in 1920 and has been amended several times since.
Measures taken to ensure backup power, particularly of renewable energy, such as solar and wind generators. These requirements may require battery storage, ancillary services, or backup generation, such as an added gas plant to produce energy when a solar or wind plant does not.
Electricity is supplied to homes and businesses in the United States in the form of alternating current, and frequency is the rate at which an alternating current changes direction, as measured in hertz (Hz). Across the power grid there is a consistent frequency which in the United States is 60 Hz.
The ability of the grid to react to a change in
the frequency to bring it back to the normal operating frequency, which is 60 Hz in the United States
Midcontinent Independent System Operator, serves northern Midwest, southeast, and parts of Canada
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)
Power that does not perform useful work but is used to establish and maintain electromagnetic fields that are needed to generate, transmit, and convert electric power in the alternating current network. A shortage of reactive power can cause voltage to decline. (See also: voltage support)
A characteristic of the whole electricity system to describe its ability to consistently deliver electricity to consumers without interruption, even through grid disturbances. Reliability comes down to having sufficient generating resources to meet demand and a functional operational grid system.
An agreement initiated by an RTO or ISO with a power plant, keeping it in operation temporarily for reliability purposes.
The ability of the grid to ride through extreme events, recover quickly, and support other critical systems (e.g., transportation, health care, public safety etc.).
An assessment of whether the current or projected resource mix is sufficient to meet capacity and energy needs for a particular grid. The resource mix includes all resources able to provide capacity and energy to the system. Adequacy assessments are used to identify potential shortfalls in the availability of resources across different time frames; from long-term planning (5 to 20+ years) to seasonal and day-ahead assessments.
(see also: ISO) – A non-profit organization that manages the electricity transmission system in a specific region, ensuring reliable and efficient electricity delivery. RTOs operate the high-voltage electricity grid, facilitating the movement of power from generating plants to substations and ultimately to consumers. They also oversee competitive wholesale electricity markets.
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.
