Electricity Grid Dictionary

Alternating current

Current that periodically reverses direction.

Battery storage

Store electricity now. Deliver it when it is needed.

Busbar

A common electrical connection for several circuits.

Capacity factor

Actual energy output compared with continuous rated output.

Circuit breaker

A switch built to interrupt normal and fault current.

Conductor

The material that provides a path for electric current.

Current

The rate at which electric charge flows.

Demand response

Changing when electricity is used to help the system.

Dispatch

Deciding which resources supply power, and how much.

Distribution

The local network that brings electricity to your street.

Energy

An amount of electricity delivered or used over time.

Feeder

A circuit carrying electricity out into a local area.

Frequency

The repeating rhythm of an alternating-current system.

Generator

Turning mechanical motion into electrical power.

Insulator

Mechanical support that keeps electricity in its intended path.

Inverter

The electronic bridge between DC resources and an AC grid.

Load

The electricity being drawn by users and equipment.

Load curve

A picture of how electricity demand changes over time.

Microgrid

A local electrical system that can operate independently.

Peak demand

The highest demand within a particular period.

Power

How quickly energy is transferred or used.

Power grid

The connected network behind everyday electricity.

Pumped hydro storage

Storing energy by moving water uphill.

Solar photovoltaic

Converting sunlight directly into electricity.

Storage duration

How long a storage system can deliver its rated power.

Substation

Where lines connect, power is switched, and voltage can change.

Three-phase power

Three alternating waveforms working in a coordinated rhythm.

Transformer

A change of voltage. A key part of every electricity journey.

Transmission

The high-voltage backbone that connects places and power.

Underground cable

An insulated electrical connection below the surface.

Voltage

The electrical potential difference between two points.