Compiled Notecard Vocab Flashcards
Term
Definition
Energy Services
Services in which energy is required to provide even the most basic resources such as food, water, air, or energy itself. Energy is used in every aspect of our economy, society, and prospects for the future, and so understanding the role of energy requires understanding how it links to all of these aspects of the world around us.
Distribution
A complete calculus of the benefits, costs, risks, allocations within a population. Distribution gives us information to help us better determine prospects for our future relationship to welfare and energy would be required in order to understand the welfare impacts of our energy choices. Welfare refers to prosperity and living standards as measured by notion of “utility”.
Physical Risks
Risks associated with the loss of physical access to necessary supplies through depletion or supply-chain disruption.
Economic Risks
Risks associated with dramatic changes in the cost to produce or the price to procure energy resources.
Metric
A quantifiable and standard unit of measure for either the energy components (btu, Joules, or kWh) or the output ($ or ¥ or €). It is merely important to understand the definitional relationship among the component parts. A metric represents a benchmark, a standard of measure that enables easy comparison across different items that can be defined using the same metric.
Cross-sectional
The 1st way to compare a metric correctly is to do so by comparing it against similarly constructed metrics
Time-series
The 2nd way to compare a metric correctly is to do so by comparing it through time against itself
Population (P)
1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology1 of 3 components of the IPAT Framework. This framework is a general form of thinking about measuring the Impact of the various elements on our environment and its impact on society, and is designed with the form:
I=PAT ==> Impact = Population * Affluence * Technology
Fertility Rate
A concept that can be used to analyze the trends in population growth. It’s the calculation of live births per female that can be used to explain the rate of population replacement in a country or region.
Population Momentum Effect
This effect causes the age distribution in a currently fast-growing population to be disproportionately young, such as in many poor and developing nations. As such, these younger populations continue to reproduce faster than older populations, growing until the natural death rate equals with the fertility rate, equilibrating younger and older members of the society.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Is one the primary indicators used to gauge the health of a country’s economy. It represents the total dollar value of all goods and services produced over a specific time period - you can think of it as the size of the economy.
Energy Intensity (E/GDP)
Energy (E) per unit of GDP. The relationship of how much output can be created with each unit of that energy. Energy Intensity has fallen over the years because we are getting more energy efficient.
Energy Consumption
the amount of physical units of energy used (usually measured in volumes)
Energy Expenditures
the currency required for energy consumption or to procure energy
Energy Productivity (GDP/E)
The concept of Energy Intensity is closely related to Energy Productivity (GDP/E), which is simply its inverse. It reframes GDP as a function of energy, and it is often used as a measure of comparative productivity across countries.
Meme
Claims that argue for optimal outcomes or best practices in a given situation are usually based on limited visibility over the entire system and/ or personal objectives. Sometimes these claims settle down into rules of thumb or “memes” that can persist over large populations and through time until they can be overwhelmingly disputed.
Positive Analysis
fact-based and objective analysis
Normative Analysis
subjective and values-based analysis
Systems Thinking
Energy is best understood as a set of interconnected systems, which are collectively referred to as the Energy System. Collectively, the object of analysis becomes these system elements and within them are many parts, sub-systems, and interactions. Such Systems Thinking is a distinct from the traditional marginal analysis that populates much of economics and social sciences.
Marginal Analysis
Simplifies a relationship to a few variables that can be analyzed by holding all other variables constant (Ceteris Paribus) has been a bedrock of analytics in these fields and is an incredibly useful tool. It explains individual behaviors very well, can be used for allocation decisions of producers, and defines the rate of change at a specific point under local conditions.
ceteris paribus
meaning, with all other things being equal or held constant
Model
a constructed representations of how some elements of world operate
Input-output Diagram
a system is just a (typically more complex) model but with some rules for integration that allow it to be consistent and useful. A basic open system will encompass some inputs, some internal transformations and processes, and some outputs. The internal transformations and processes will relate some inputs to some outputs and under what conditions those transformations will take place, otherwise called a Input-Output Diagram.
System Dynamics
An examination of the systems and all its integral parts. It gives us information for how the system behaves and responds to stimuli, etc.
System Structure
the system can be viewed as a collection of components at any given moment in time. These components have natural groupings and relationships and can provide a geographic “map” of the system structure
Transformations
Once the system structure is established, it is useful to understand the transformations within that structure as time passes or elements change. The strength of these relationships and the direction in which they flow can explain dynamic behaviors. Systems are best understood not in how they are, but in how they change.
Leverage Points
because systems are interconnected, any point can be affected by many others. Not all of these will have an equal effect as the strength of the transformations may vary, particularly across a number of relationships or structural elements. Identifying where small efforts in one part of the system can create major change in other parts of the system allows for the observation of leverage points.
Non-linearities
Sometimes, dramatic change can occur but only after a while and in a non-linear way. Systems often exhibit the behavior of maintaining themselves until certain thresholds are reached and then system dynamics can radically alter the behavior to a very different mode. Observing and predicting these non-linearities reveals much about the system itself.
Root Cause
When trying to explain the reason that certain observations occur, there are many levels on which that explanation can proceed. Sometimes there is an immediate reason, but that reason is usually motivated by other, deeper relationships in a system. An apt analogy is evaluating the symptoms versus the disease, and uncovering the underlying “root cause” of the observed phenomenon can be enabled using system dynamics.
Supply Chain
This represents all of the energy in the human-industrial system – from total energy inputs to final energy consumption and energy services (outputs) –and is the basis of the energy system analysis. It also includes the physical delivery system (“Infrastructure”) to move and transform the energy from its origin to its final disposition.
Infrastructure
the physical delivery system (“Infrastructure”) to move and transform the energy from its origin to its final disposition.
Open vs. Closed Systems
The technical distinction between open and closed systems is that an open system is continually influenced, informed, or constrained by the activities of elements outside the system, whereas a closed system receives its endowments at the time it is set up and then remains isolated from outside influences.
Nested Systems
systems are both influenced and constrained by activities in other systems. The energy supply chain takes inputs (resources and capital) from the natural resource system and the economy, and sends its outputs (economic productivity and waste products) back into those systems. These systems can easily be thought of as nested systems where one fits easily inside another, both of which fit inside a third.
Circular vs. Directional Systems
Circular systems, as the macro-economy is often modeled, has many interrelated elements that can exhibit a balance and feedback keeping the various elements in check. It is often difficult to discern the beginning and the end of a circular system process, just like the old chicken and egg problem. In contrast, directional systems tend to have a distinct beginning in a distinct end, usually with very distinct and different inputs and outputs. They start with some inputs and go through a series of transformations resulting in outputs, but the outputs don’t stay in the system or recycle in any significant way.
Scarcity
Scarcity implies that our needs and wants will always be greater than our ability to procure them from the resources at hand. Basically, people constantly suffer from a lack of income or assets to meet their material needs or wants. Individuals want more satisfaction, businesses need more capital, governments want to provide more services for its citizens, but all of them are limited by the endowments available to them.
Constrained Optimization
used to demonstrate the relationship between Objectives and Constraints. It is often the case that an actor is trying to maximize or minimize some outcome (i.e. find the “best” solution), and must do so within the limits imposed by some number of constraints.
Objectives and Constraints
Objectives are considered a solution to problems within a energy system and Constraints are limiting factors within an energy system that make finding solutions more diffcult
Comparative Advantage
Individuals specializing in some task for which they may be relatively well suited (technically a Comparative Advantage) create additional productivity that can be shared with others who specialize in different outputs, thereby raising the aggregate pool of outputs available for all.
Innovation
Within the system (Supply, Efficiency (Demand), Cost, or Benefit) there are many incentives and opportunities to try to procure more energy inputs and use them more efficiently to create outputs. Constraints compel people to invention and creativity in trying to create additional advantage for themselves in the form of reduced costs or increase profits.
Depletion
We tend to procure the cheapest and easiest resources first, leaving the more expensive ones for later. Competitors are constantly trying to take away market share, which keeps prices in check. This notion of Depletion (of resources or capacity or value) is a very normal economic behavior whereby we minimize costs first, but that uses up a scarce opportunity that may not necessarily be replaced or renewed.
Sustainability
depletion is making things more difficult and threatening a collapse of wealth and welfare if we damage or exhaust our resource base before we can innovate to another path. The very notion of Sustainability tries to reconcile these issues.
Present Value vs. Future Value
The easiest way to conceptualize the impact of growth rates is to understand how the value of anything today (Present Value) increases by a certain periodic rate (denoted here as compound interest, or i) over a number of periods (time, or t), to determine its value at the end of those periods (Future Value).
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)
It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1It is also possible to calculate the imputed growth rate by knowing the present value and future value and applying the compound annual growth rate formula also in Figure ???. It is simply a rearrangement of the future value formula to isolate the imputed interest rate. This creates a metric that is suitable for comparing relative growth rates across similar types of growth and similar periods.
CAGR = (( EV / BV)^(1 / n)) - 1
The Photo-votaic effect
when photons of light shining on certain materials eject free electrons, which can be captured as they attempt to move toward an alternate layer. This process creates an electrical current that can power electronic devices
Wave-particle duality
having the properties of both waves and particles. Photons exhibit these properties and when they are at a high enough frequency, transfer their energy to ejected electrons
PV Cells
devices that convert light into electricity.
PV modules
a package of PV cells that are strung together in order to achieve certain voltage outputs. PV modules encapsulate the components in such a way that they would be protected from water and other contaminants that would degreade module performance. Unless converted with an onboard device, electricity from PV modules are Direct Current.
Device controller
ensure that batteries are being a charged in a way that is not dentrimental to their long-term application. Also regulates the use of electricity from both the PV module and the batteries to meet the load
Off-grid systems
collection of technologies that provide electricity including solar lanterns, solar powered electric fences, marine applications, remote communications, and that require no access to grid electricity
Inverter
device that converts DC power to AC power. During the conversion (transformation), power losses occur as well as capital investment.
Hybrid PV systems
PV systems that have the ability to convert DC power to AC power. Can be supplemented with a generator to ensure power is available even when sunlight is not and when batteries are depleted. Thus, Hybrid PV systems give additional assurance of electricity under a wider range of needs and ambient conditions
Grid-connected systems
PV systems designed to accept AC power from the grid when it is available. The grid acts as an emergency backup the same way a generator is used in a PV hybrid systems. Also, grid-connected systems utilize grid connections and be configured to displace the need for (costly) on-site batteries. Grid-connected systems have become the dominant method of deploying distributed PV primarily because they reduce upfront costs/LCOE.
Solar constant
the amount of sun hitting any perpandicular surface over time is the same
Insolation
how much sun is available for capture at any point in time on the surface of the planet
Installed cost system
cost of a completed PV system .First, a large portion of the installed cost is in the cost of the modules themselves, which means that driving down those costs, or improving their efficiency will have meaningful impact on the overall economics of the system. Second,a large portion of the costs is not in the module costs, but is in the balance of systems, or BOS, costs and the soft costs.
polysilicon PV
crystalline silicon semiconductor base, it is the dominant form of technology used today to produce PV modules
PV wafers
sliced portions of polysilicon PV that are chemically treated (doped) to have specific photoelectric properties. They are used to produced PV cells
Thin-film PVs
forms of PV modules that eliminate the use of thick PV wafers which contain polysilicon. Thin-film PVs arose due to the inherent limitations of the capital-intensive process of producing polysilicon, and in response to occasional bottlenecks in the polysilicon supply-chain.
Amorphous Silicon (Thin-film)
uses silicon as a semiconductor, but applies it directly to the module construction. This technology can be cheaper, but has a lower relative operating efficiency, which creates an economic penalty for its use.
Cadium telluride (CdTe) (Thin-film)
CdTe modules dispense with the silicon altogether and instead use a combination of thin semiconductor layers of cadmium and tellurium.
Copper Indium Gallium di-Salinide (Thin-film)
the newest class of commercial PV modules. It uses a combination of materials to improve efficiency further. CIGS (and a number of related chemistries) deposition can occur directly on glass (a super-strate) or can be deposited onto a backing layer (a substrate) like stainless steel or even plastic which has the potential to further speed up manufacturing and deposition, reducing capital investment and operating costs.
III-V cells
high-performance cells which can achieve double or even triple the efficiencies of some of the standard PV modules, but many of them are incredible difficult to manufacture and do not lend themselves to mass production.
Champion cell
best PV cell created and tested at given time period for each technology
Commercial efficiencies
measured on commercial production lines and sold for use by costumers. Tend to be a fraction of a champion cell, often between 50-70% but tend to climb in tandem
Balance-of-system components
number of components necessary to configure PV modules into a working system on the customer side.
Mounting, Racking, Wires (BoS)
the PV modules need to be affixed to a mounting structure, usually through the use of a rack on which they can be bolted.
Rood-mounted (BoS)
when mountings and racks are placed on roof tops to maximize the access to sunlight and minimize the interference with ground level activities
Ground-mounted (BoS)
when mountings and racks are placed on the ground with ample isolation, which can be often be cheaper and easier to install if the space is available
Strings and arrays (BoS)
wires are connected into modules to form strings and arrays which deliver energy to the inverter.
Inverter and Power Management (BoS)
modern grid-connected PV systems must have a DC-AC inverter to convert solar energy into a form useful for the grid which includes microconverters and large container sized inverters for significant and commercial applications. These systems function as a power management to optimize the use and synchronization of the modules for maximum electricity output. They may also have communications and testing protocol to assist in the remote monitoring of PV systems
Microinverter
small inverter located directly on the back of a module
Labor and inspection (BoS)
labor is needed to deliver materials to the site of and assembled into a completed system. This labor requires a certain amount of technical ability in the mechanical and electrical trades, and so is often higher wage then traditional manual labor. Once the systems are installed, internal and external inspection to test the system and certify it for use is required.
Trackers
move PV modules so that they are more perpendicular to the incoming solar radiation. Trackers are used for predominantly for ground-mount systems, where they can easily be accessed and maintained.
Single-axis tracking
movement in one direction, usually west-to-east
Two-axis tracking
constantly faces the module directly to the sun but involves more complex hardware and control than single-axis
Soft costs
cost of components in the installation of PV systems
Installers
determining the site specifications and the specific components required to optimize the solar array require technical talent and time. Depending on the local zoning and building inspection requirements, getting these plans and the final installation certified for use can also be a complex undertaking.
Developers (soft cost)
people who find customers and see them through the completion of a project
Customers acquisition costs (soft cost)
finding people who are both willing and qualified to install a solar system on their home or business represents a meaningful investment of time and money. Finding customers (through many different methods of outreach and advertising) and getting them to signal their initial interest is only the beginning, and many of them require an investment of time for designing and bidding the systems before they are determined to be unsuitable (or ultimately unwilling) to go forward. Customer acquisition costs, particularly for the smallest installation types, can end up being the single largest cost component after the cost of the module.
Design and approval (soft cost)
determining the site specifications and the specific components required to optimize the solar array require technical talent and time. Depending on the local zoning and building inspection requirements, getting these plans and the final installation certified for use can also be a complex undertaking.
Financing (soft costs)
the financial capital needed to purchase a PV system, whether that is the customer or some third-‐party financial provider. Ensures that there are adequate financing solutions available and that the customers can take advantage of them requires time and expertise. Even when the direct cost of obtaining the financial solution is low, poor customer creditworthiness can result in the loss of the productive time spent identifying and developing their systems before the determination is made they cannot qualify for a loan to pay for it.
Monitoring and billing (soft costs)
once the system is installed, it is important to continually monitor and ensure optimal performance as well as identify any faults, failures, or hazards. Depending on the nature of the billing process, accurate tracking of the system output may also be needed to determine the amount paid by a customer each month. Regardless of the billing type, sending statements and no collections must be performed, which is often complicated at the smallest and least creditworthy part of the customer base.
Solar PPA vs. Solar Lease
PPA better for the customer. Lease is better for Finance
Grid access
set of rules that give the permission and the contractual relationship that coordinates the activities of generators with a grid’s operation.
Interconnection rules
specific rules about what type of equipment and performance characteristics are allowable. With the advent of smallscale distributed generation, these rules have had to be expanded to accomodate this type of equipment, and often place operating restrictions and caps on the total amount of DG that can be connected.
Net metering
once the system is connected, the electricity flowing back and forth between the distributor generation and the grid must be fairly compensated. This is done by counting the net kilowatt-hours that flow into the house and charge the customer for just that amount. Surplus generation from the DG is used by the grid.
Rate design
the allocation of the grid’s costs to the various users of its services is done through process of rate design. Rate design is predominantly driven by volumetric considerations, which allocates the costs over certain volume of energy used by the customers. However, the specific features and choices in the rate design can dramatically affect the economics of the DG intervention.
Flat-rate pricing
customers receive the same volumetric charge for a kilowatt hour regardless of the time of day in which is consumed.
Time-of-use pricing
appropriate metering technology can be charged based on the time of day customers consume electricity and the relative value of the electricity at that time. Technologies (like solar) that are correlated with peak demand would be compensated.
Connection charge
charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.charging customers when connecting to the grid because it often creates overhead costs and expenses that need to be compensated, regardless of the amount of electricity used. Connection charges are often the same for all customers of a certain class in size.
Demand charge
are fixed charges to customers because providing adequate power at any time to a customer creates capacity requirements for which the grid much contract. It is based on a customer’s historical power requirements.
Access laws
laws the restrict when and where DG solutions can be deployed. Access laws are different depending on location and fair outcomes are still being negotiated in a number of state and local venues.
Equipment buy-downs or Rebates
help to buy down the installed cost of the system through direct rebates or other tax incentives that can reduce the LCOE of PV systems to the point where customers find it economic and compelling.
Investment tax credit (ITC)
offered by the US government (and some states), ITCs function in a similar way to rebates through the issuance of monetizeable tax credits.
Feed-in tarrifs (FITs)
an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.an alternate economic incentive can pay for the output of the system, rather than paying for a portion of the system itself. Germany launched the first widely successful PV FIT, which provided customers a preferential payment for the kilowatt-‐hours they generated with their distributed PV system and fed into the grid. Customers then purchased their electricity consumption on a gross basis just as if they had no PV
system. Once this tariff was fixed at the time of installation, it provided a very steady revenue stream which made the systems easily financeable by banks and other lending partners.
Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPSs)
require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.require utilities in their jurisdiction to procure a certain percentage of their supply from renewable sources. The utilities will do this through a forward contract procurement process that allow generators to get paid a competitive rate based on their cost structure, and not have to compete directly with the other
generators.
Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs)
show how much energy was produced that met the renewable standard.These can sometimes be traded through formal exchanges.
Solar carve-outs
portions of the RPS that have to be met with solar energy
Solar REC (SRECS)
SRECS are RECS that are specifically designed to meet solar carve-outs
Market enablers
address barriers and obstaces of solar energy to customers through policy or market interventions. Examples include certification and verification, access to finance, and government procurement.
Where
different locations on the planet will have different insolation
How much
insolation tends to be higher and more consistent near the equator, due to the perpendicular nature of incoming sunlight in this region.
When
insolation rises and falls depending on latitude and time of year. In summer peaking locations, sunlight is highly coincident with the demand, but not perfectly. The further a location is away from th equator, the bigger difference between summer and winter amounts.
How certain
potential sunlight for energy gerneration is intermittent. Affected by weather conditions and pollution.
Dynamo
Devices that turn rotating energy into electrical current through electromagnetic induction
Transmission
Movement of energy to its end use through available wires. The carry high voltage electricity because losses are a function of the current (which is lower at high voltages)
Device
Convertor of energy into energy service
Alternating current
Change of electric charge through transformers (low/high voltage)
Paired technologies
Technologies that, at the same time, helped convert motion into electricity and electricity into motion (services)
Network effect
The value of a service provided goes up with a number of participants on the network exponentially. Viewed another way, this means that the proportionate costs to provide service to each person falls as more people that are added to the network.
Regulatory bargain
The result of the enactment of the 1930s laws that organized the electric sector: utilities got regional monopolies and state regulators could set the power tariff
Busbar
The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.The point that a generator connects to the grid (typically at an electric substation) and functions as a conductor of the electricity generated into the grid.
Because of the nature of that transformation, it is a good place to measure the quantity of energy as well as the cost or price – the place where all of the cost of generation are accounted for.
Step up transformer/Step down transformer
Step up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution gridStep up transfomers convert the voltage of the electricity from the generator into the type that the substation can use. They are located before the busbar or at the electricity substation.
Step dow transformers transforms electricity into lower voltages to enter the distribution grid
Distribution
After a step dow transformer transforms electricity into lower voltages to be delivered to mid-size customers or transformed to further lower voltages (120V in the US) to commercial and residential facilities
Frequency
Frequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generatorFrequency of the oscillations of alternating current (AC) in an electric power grid transmitted from a power plant to the end-user.
Set at the generator
Electric meter
Measures the amount of electricity that is consumed by the end user
Electricity
Kinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value stateKinetic energy, energy in motion. It must be used while available or stored for later use. If it is not, it will likely not be retrievable afterwards in a useful form for the system. Currently, electricity is very hard, if not impossible, to store
Best cost-efficient method to convert primary energy in a higher value state
Operating parameters of the electricity system
- Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging* Electricity Supply must always equal Electricity Demand (“Load”)
- Small failures in one part of the system cascade through the system
- System failures are very damaging
Load
Demand side of electricity, final user
Current
Flow of eletric charge. DC to AC, and sometimes back to DC at the device.
Locational marginal pricing
Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.Reflects the value of the energy at the specific location and time it is delivered. It has two features:
- When the lowest-priced electricity can reach all locations, prices are the same across the entire grid.
- When there is congestion – heavy use of the transmission system – the lowest-priced energy cannot flow freely to some locations. In that case, more expensive electricity is ordered to meet that demand. As a result, the locational marginal prices are higher in those locations.
Dispatch
Combination of all of the different technologies used to generate electricity to meet that Load.
Types of load
- Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load* Base load
- Intermediate load
- Peak load
Base load
Portion of the load that is always demanded
Intermediate load
Portion of the load that predictably rises from the low point (middle of the night in these locations and seasons) to the high point on a daily basis.
Peak load
Load that occurs when the system is operating near its maximum. It is a load that is requiring the delivery electricity near maximum amount for any time during the year.
Capacity factor
It is the ratio of the actual output of a power plant over a period of time to its potential output if it were possible for it to operate at full nameplate capacity indefinitely
Frequency regulation
Maintaining frequency is vital and have to be kept within very tight tolerance. It requires the use of equipment to both add and reduce the frequency very quickly (sometimes in less than a second).
Spinning reserves
A part of the operating reserves. It corresponds to the generation assets that are required to be available and operating in synchronization to provide very rapid replacement of any unexpectedly lost generation.
Operating reserves
Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.Generating capacity available to the system operator within a short interval of time to meet demand in case a generator goes down or there is another disruption to the supply.
Most power systems are designed so that, under normal conditions, the operating reserve is always at least the capacity of the largest generator plus a fraction of the peak load.
Non-spinning reserves
A part of the operating reserves. Or supplemental reserve, it corresponds to the extra generating capacity that is not currently connected to the system but can be brought online after a short delay.
Black Start
The process of restoring a power station to operation without relying on the external electric power transmission network
Ancillary services
Short- and long-term planning and systemic reliability services that provides a utility to maintain grid operation
IRP
Integrated Resource Plan. Process of knowing which assets to procure, based on market characteristics and projected supply and demand conditions
How certain in electricity
Ensure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward marketsEnsure:
- Economic dispatch and market governance
- Planning and regulatory approvals
- Billing and support services
- Obtaining investments and working capital
- Risk management and forward markets
Cost of service recovery
Mechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxesMechanism to provide revenue certainty to utilities in order to ensure required investments in the system. It includes operation and maintenance costs, taxes, depreciation and a rate of return for the investment
Calculation: TR=TC=[RB-D]ROR+OE+d+T
Where TR= total revenue; TC= total cost; RB= rate base or value of capital; D= accoumulated depreciation; ROR= rate of return; OE= operating expenses; d= annual depreciation cost; T= taxes
Rate base
Or value of the capital. It represents the aggregate investment made by utilities less any accumulated depreciation previously expensed against those assets
Stranded cost
Cost of investing in certain assets that are no longer in use, but they were deemed necessary given the market conditions at the time the investment was decided. The regulator must compensate the utility for these investments
Fixed charge
Fixed monthly payment for a customer to connect to the grid. It is often set at a uniform standard rate for residential households (Customer charge). Conversely, commercial and industrial customers typically see their fixed charge rise with the amount of maximum power that they will call on at any time (Demand Charge), measured by looking at their historical usage pattern.
Volumetric charge
It is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spareIt is the portion of the bill that rises with the amount of energy customer uses, and generally is tied to the costs are utility have to incur to provide that energy. There are three types of volumetric charge:
* Bulk pricing: it starts off high and decline with scale
* Tiered rate structure: it starts off low and rise in order to deter higher usage
* Time of use pricing: it rises and falls depending on the hour of the day in order to more closely track
the costs of provision that utility my spare
Special rate cases
Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)Additional rates established for non-standard activities:
- Non-standard capital items: technological advances (smart grid, smart metering)
- Rate overrides (rate changes due to external conditions)
- Extraordinary costs (pension costs, environmental costs, storm damage costs)
- Decoupling (changing demand conditions)
Utility inefficiency
Is caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recoveryIs caused by:
- Overcharging of costs
- Incorrect depreciation allowance
- Monopolistic tendencies of under-delivery that increase costs to consumers
- Cross subsidization between regulated and competitive operations
- Lack of cost discipline due to cost recovery
How a utility makes money
Through:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amountThrough:
- Increase the amount of assets in the rate base
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Increase the allowed rate of return
- Hold expenses below certain levels
- Increase revenues beyond the forecasted amount
Goals of grid regulation
The goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliabilityThe goal is to ensure that:
- Minimizing the system costs passed on to the customer, while providing a fair return for the utility (Cost Minimization)
- Ensuring the highest reasonable degree of service availability for all customers. It includes: i) definition of consumers; ii) rate design; iii) level of service reliability
Public benefits charge
A charge added to a customer billing which is intended to cover costs related to services that a utility provides in the public interest. Often, these purposes are to correct for perceived externalities in the electricity production in transformation process, including economic or social inequities, environmental damage or encourage behavioral changes
Power pools
Formation of networks of generators to transact power and energy and back up supply during peak times or unexpected loss of power capacity. When large portions of territory are covered by these networks, it is called an Interconnection
Reserve margins Planning
Amount of generation capacity available to meet expected demand in planning horizon.
Vertically integrated utility
All aspects of electricity generation and delivery within a local territory are handled by a single entity or group of integrated entities
Deregulation
It is the process to change the structures regulated utilities. It means to move away from the regulated utility model and to allow for the market-setting of some components of rates in electricity bills, rather than through a regulatory process.
Unbundling
The separation of Distribution functions of utilities from those of Transmission and Generation
Benefits of vertical integration
- Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets* Reduced operational and price risk
- Reduced transaction and information costs
- Long-lived, transaction specific assets
Investor Owned Utilities
It is a business organization, providing a product or service regarded as a utility (often termed a public utility regardless of ownership), and managed as private enterprise rather than a function of government or a utility cooperative.
Public owned utility
Publicly-owned utilities are utilities owned by state or municipal government agencies.
Main constraints of the grid
- Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure* Physical failure: inability of the grid to deliver energy
- Financial failure
Energy supply risks or constraints
- Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate* Resource availability: risk of losing access to primary energy resources at a given time
- Intermittency: A source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside direct control (mainly solar, wind and wave resources)
- Resource predictability: risks that the resources will be consistently available in the future
- Water requirements: some thermal plants require water to operate
Demand side risks
- Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy* Load uncertainty
- Changing demand patterns: change in demographics, usage of energy efficient devices, change in economic activitiy
Physical capital constraints
- Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security* Loss of generator access: due to technical or geographical issues
- Loss or congestion of transmission: loss of transmission or many demands on a limited asset-base
- Cascading failures
- Adequate reserve margins: insufficient spare capacity to make up for occuring losses
- System security: physical or cyber security
Environmental constraints
Air pollution, carbon emissions, water pollution, noise and visual setting, safety
Other capital constraints
- Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks* Financial capital
- Human capital constraints
- Political constraints/Regulatory risks
Load
stock; volume of electricity being demanded by the aggregation of all end-consumers; sets a fixed and inelastic demand for this volume of electricity at any given moment
rate-payer
customer
levelized-cost
sums on a consistent basis all the cost elements involved in the creation, operation, and fueling of an asset and divides that total cost evenly over the output of that asset
levelized costing of electricity (LCOE)
amortizes cost of building, operating and fueling an electricity generator over the output of that generation
LCOE 4 components
overnight cost, fixed O&M cost, variable O&M cost, fuel cost
overnight cost
cost of completing the generation asset and putting it into service, as if it were to happen instantaneously or “overnight;” ($/W)
fixed O&M cost
operations and maintenance costs required to keep the asset operating at full capacity, before it is used to produce the first unit of output ($/W per year)
