Grid Glossary

TRENDING TERM

Critical Issue Fast Path (CIFP)

An accelerated stakeholder process used in PJM Interconnection to resolve urgent, contentious, and time-sensitive issues that cannot be resolved through the normal stakeholder process. The process involves several stages of discussion and proposal development, culminating in a submission to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for approval. The CIFP process has been used in recent years to discuss large load additions (2025) and resource adequacy (2023).

TRENDING TERM

Effective Load Carrying Capability (ELCC)

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. 

TRENDING TERM

Disturbance

Refers to any unwanted or unplanned electrical event that interferes with the normal operation of the electrical grid. These can manifest in power outages, surges, and other events, and can originate from various sources within the electrical grid, such as loss of a large generating unit or another grid asset, such as a transmission line or transformer.

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Generation

The process of creating electricity. 

Geothermal energy

Heat derived from the Earth’s interior, which can be harnessed for electricity generation. It’s a renewable resource, as the Earth’s internal heat is continuously replenished.

Grid

The electrical grid is a vast, interconnected network comprising power plants, transmission lines, substations, and distribution lines. Its purpose is to generate, transmit, and deliver electricity from producers to consumers across a wide geographic area. 

Grid enhancing technologies (GETs)

A variety of technologies that improve the capacity, efficiency, and reliability of existing power grids. They are often lower cost and faster to deploy than major grid infrastructure upgrades like building new transmission lines. These technologies optimize the flow of electricity across existing infrastructure.

Grid following inverter

Refers to the ability of an inverter to synchronize with frequency and voltage on the grid. These are more common than grid forming and refer to how this technology takes its cues from the grid, not the other way around.

Grid forming inverter

Refers to the ability of an inverter to actively control frequency and voltage on the grid, helping to ensure grid stability. They can provide ancillary services, such as inertia, voltage regulation, and frequency response, essential for maintaining grid stability.

Grid hardening

Refers to the many solutions that help the grid withstand major events, such as extreme weather, natural disasters, or cyber attacks, without disruption.

MISO

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

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