Dispatchable Generation

Sources of electricity that are available on demand. Examples include thermal power (diesel or liquefied natural gas – LNG) which can be dispatched at the request of power grid operators – that is, they can be turned on, off or adjust their power output relatively quickly.

Electric Grid

A network of electric power systems working together in an intricate web to supply power to homes and industries in a region. An electric grid may have one or many sources of generation within it. In North America, there are multiple electric grids that crisscross the continent.

End-Use Losses

The differences between the the energy source and the energy load consumed by the end user and an estimate of the ultimate useful energy that is delivered.

Energy

The ability to do work or the amount of electricity used for a period of time. In the power industry, energy it is usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) for residential usage or gigawatt-hours (GWh) for regional/territorial usage.

Fault

An abnormal condition or malfunction in the system that disrupts the normal flow of electricity. Faults can take various forms, such as a sudden surge in current, a ground fault where current flows to the ground, or a short circuit where electrical current bypasses its intended path.

Frequency

The number of cycles per second found in a AC current. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz). In North America AC power is 60Hz however some Countries use 50Hz.

Grid Forming Assets

Assets which provide VF (voltage and frequency) control. Grid forming assets are responsible for ensuring the system operates within the prescribed ranges.

Ground

A connection to the Earth, creating a pathway for electrical current to flow safely into the ground in the event of a fault or unintended connection. Grounding helps to prevent the buildup of excess voltage, reduces the risk of electric shock, and protects equipment from damage.

Impedance

A comprehensive term that encompasses both resistance and reactance, and it is defined as the opposition to alternating current. It is measured in ohms, symbolized by the Greek letter omega (Ω).

Independent Power Production (IPP)

A method by which an energy producer can generate electricity for sale to utilities. An example of this would be the “Yukon Independent Power Production Policy”.

Intermittency

The irregular and unpredictable nature of the electricity generation from renewable sources.

Intermittent Energy

Any source of energy that is not continuously available due to some factor outside of our direct control (e.g. the wind not blowing or the sun not shining). Since the wind doesn’t blow all the time nor is there sunshine these sources must be backed up by distpatchable sources. 

Load

An electrical load is simply any component of a circuit that consumes power or energy. In a household setting, the most common examples of electrical loads include light bulbs and appliances.

Micro-generation

Electricity consumers who own small energy generators such as wind or solar. If they generate more than they need for their own use, they can feed the excess back into the grid and receive a credit.

Ohm’s Law

Ohm’s law states that the electric current through a conductor between two points is directly proportional to the voltage across two points.

V = I ∗ R
Where:
V = Voltage (V = Volts) 
I = Current (A = Amps) 
R = Resistance (Ω = Ohms)

Peak Load

The time of high demand. These peaking demands are often for only shorter durations. In mathematical terms, peak demand could be understood as the difference between the base demand and the highest demand.

Power

The rate of transfer of electrical energy within a circuit . It is derived from Ohm’s Law as follows:

P = V * I
Where:
P = Power (W = Watts)
V = Voltage (V = Volts) 
I = Current (A = Amps) 

Power Quality

The degree to which the voltage, frequency, and power system conform to established specifications.

Power System

A network of electrical components used to generate, transmit, and distribute power.

Pumped Storage

A process of energy storage that works by pumping water to a higher reservoir during time when there is excess power generation and then using that stored water as hydro power when required by the utility. This is useful for storing renewable energy when the system demand is less than what a renewable energy source is producing.

Reliability

The ability of a power system to withstand instability, uncontrolled events, cascading failures, or unanticipated loss of system components.

Resistance

The measured opposition to current flow in a circuit. Resistance is measured in ohms (Ω).

Secondary Sales

At certain times of the year, Yukon Energy has the ability to produce more electricity than the need for most customers. To take advantage of the economic and environmental benefits of this surplus power, the Corporation developed a Secondary Sales Program. It gives eligible Yukon businesses the option of using hydro power to heat their facilities instead of diesel fuel or propane, both of which are more expensive and produce GHG emissions. 

Short-Circuit

When an unintended electrical connection is established between two points in an electrical circuit with different voltages. This unintended connection creates a low-resistance path, allowing a large amount of current to flow through the circuit. This may damage equipment, cause power outages or reduced power quality.