Power Systems 101

Foundational concepts that underpin a working knowledge of conventional, transforming and future power systems.

Maximum Demand

The highest amount of electrical Power delivered, or forecast to be delivered, within a defined period (day, week, month, season, or year), either at a

Minimum Demand

The lowest amount of electrical Power instantaneously delivered, or forecast to be delivered, in a defined period (day, week, month, season or year), either at

Minimum Operational Demand

The lowest amount of electrical Power instantaneously delivered, or forecast to be delivered, in a defined period (day, week, month, season or year), either at

Network of Structures

A modern Power System consists of an ultra-complex web of seven distinct, inter-dependent Structures. Viewed from a whole-system perspective, the is a Network of Structures

Network Provider

A generic term for the entity that designs, operates and maintains a Transmission Network or Distribution Network.

Operability

The ability to operate the Power System in a manner that ensures System Security and Reliability.  Key pre-requisites for the Operability of a are its

Operational Coordination

The systematic operational alignment of Utility assets and non-Utility Energy Resources via Dispatch Instructions, direct technical control and/or market-based incentives, to ensure System Security, Resource