FAQS

Q:  What are Distributed Resources?

 Distributed Resources are typically small scale capacity generation and storage technologies (usually less than 1 MW) -- suitable for use in peak shaving and distributed applications.

The term "distributed resources" includes modular power technologies and nongenerating demand side management (DSM) measures, such as energy efficiency improvements, that reduce the load at the distribution level of the transmission and distribution (T&D) grid.

Q:  What is Distributed Generation?

Distributed generation is the locating of electricity generators close to the point of consumption. It provides some unique benefits to power companies and customers that are not available from centralized electricity generation.

Distributed power technologies are inherently modular, and can include renewable energy, fuel cell, and cogeneration systems.

Q:  How is power distributed?

The U.S. electric system is made up of interconnections and balancing authorities

Electricity generated at power plants moves through a complex network of electricity substations, power lines, and distribution transformers before it reaches customers.

In the United States, the power system consists of more than 7,300 power plants, nearly 160,000 miles of high-voltage power lines, and millions of low-voltage power lines and distribution transformers, which connect 145 million customers.

 

Local electricity grids are interconnected to form larger networks for reliability and commercial purposes. At the highest level, the United States power system in the Lower 48 states is made up of three main interconnections, which operate largely independently from each other with limited transfers of power between them.

The Eastern Interconnection encompasses the area east of the Rocky Mountains and a portion of northern Texas. The Eastern Interconnection consists of 36 balancing authorities: 31 in the United States and 5 in Canada.

The Western Interconnection encompasses the area from the Rockies west and consists of 37 balancing authorities: 34 in the United States, 2 in Canada, and 1 in Mexico.

The Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) covers most, but not all, of Texas and consists of a single balancing authority.

Q:  What are some common units of power?

• 1 Kilowatt = 1.34 HP = 3412 BTUH (BTU's per Hour)
• 1000 BTUH = 0.293 KW = 0.393 HP
• 1 Horsepower = 0.746 Kilowatt (KW)
• 1 Horsepower = 33000 ft-slb/min
• 1 Ton (HVAC) =12000 BTUH = (3.56 KW out)
• 625 KW out, 191.7 KW in, 3 COP (Coefficient of Performance)

Q:  What are some common units of energy?

• 1 KWh = 3413 BTU
• 1 BTU = 778 ft-lbs = 0.000293 KWh
• 1 therm = 100,000 BTU = 10⁵ BTU
• MMBTU = one million BTU
• Quad = one billion MMBTU = 10¹⁵ BTU