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typically a shorter period when electricity is in high demand. The constant power
needed by the electrical grid is the base load.
Related content: Everything You Need to Know About Peak Load Management
Peaker Plant
A power plant that is only run when it is expected to meet or exceed peak load on
the grid. Peaker power plants are often older, run on the dirtiest fuels, and require
immense amounts of energy to turn on.
Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)
See Electric vehicle (EV).
Potential peak reduction:
The potential annual peak load reduction (measured in kilowatts) that can be
deployed from Direct Load Control, Interruptible Load, other Load Management, and
other DSM Program activities. (Please note that Energy Efficiency and Load Building
are not included in Potential Peak Reduction.) It represents the load that can be
reduced either by the direct control of the utility system operator or by the consumer
in response to a utility request to lessen load, e.g., turning off lights. It reflects the
installed load reduction capability, as opposed to the Actual Peak Reduction
achieved by participants, during the time of annual system peak load.
Private electric utility
A class of ownership in the electric power industry where the utility is regulated and
authorized to achieve an allowed rate of return.
Public utility
An enterprise providing essential public services, such as electric, gas, telephone,
water, and sewer under legally established monopoly conditions.
Publicly owned electric utility
A class of ownership in the electric power industry. This group includes those utilities
operated by municipalities and State and Federal power agencies.
