Power Systems 101

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

Robustness

The ability of the grid to tolerate perturbations and uncertainty. It includes extensibility, flexibility, agility, resilience, and reliability, all of which are distinct potential capabilities

Stability

The Power System in an operational condition of equilibrium, both during normal conditions and especially in abnormal operating conditions, extreme weather events and/or other system

Structure

The stable relationships, linkages and interdependencies that are established between the Components of the System to enable the reliable achievement of the System purposes. Refer

Substation

A designated location, typically with a Transmission Network or Distribution Network, where the Voltage of supplied Power is stepped up or down by the use

Supply

The total amount of Electricity supplied by one, many or all Generating Plant at an instant of time.  Measured in kiloWatts (kW), MegaWatts (MW) or

Supply Demand Balance

Where the amount of Electricity provided by Generation Plant is in equilibrium with the amount of Demand from all Customers. Maintaining a balance between supply

Supply-side

The upstream end of a conventional Power System where almost all Generation Plant was traditionally located.  More broadly, the term includes all parts of the

System Flexibility

The ability of the Power System to respond to both expected and unexpected changes in the Supply Demand Balance, including Generation Plant failures, fluctuations in

System Security

The ability to continue operating the Power System within defined technical limits and maintaining physical Stability, even if a major element of the system unexpectedly

System Strength

The ability of the Power System to maintain and control the Voltage waveform at any given location, both during normal operation and when disturbances are