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All Concepts
294 resultsAccount Number
billing and meteringYour account number is the unique ID your utility uses to identify your account. It connects your name to your service address, meter, rate plan, and payment history. You will find it printed on your bill, and you usually need it to pay, sign in online, or call customer service. Keep it handy, but protect it like other account information.
Actual Meter Read
billing and meteringAn actual meter read means your bill uses a real number from your meter. The number may be taken by a person or sent in by the meter itself. It is not an estimate. Bills based on real reads show your true use for the period. Your bill usually labels each reading as actual or estimated, so you can tell which you got.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
billing and meteringAdvanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) is the system that links smart meters to your utility. It includes the meters, the network they talk over, and the computers that handle the data. With AMI, the utility can read meters from afar. It can spot outages faster. It can also turn service on or off without sending a truck. It is the hidden system that makes smart meters useful.
Air Conditioner Cycling Program
demand response and load flexibilityIn this program, a small device briefly cycles your AC during peak events. The outdoor unit turns off and on, while the fan keeps running...
Air-Source Heat Pump
electrification and energy efficiencyAn air-source heat pump is the most common type of heat pump. It heats your home in winter by pulling heat out of the outdoor air, even w...
Ancillary Services
regulatory markets and gridAncillary services are the support services that keep the grid steady. Some resources adjust output at once to keep supply and demand in ...
Apparent Power (kVA)
billing and meteringApparent power is the total power the utility's wires must carry to serve you. It is measured in kilovolt-amperes (kVA). Part of it, called real power, does useful work like running appliances. The rest, called reactive power, supports gear like motors but does no direct work. The link between the two is called power factor. Apparent power mostly matters for business bills. Homes are usually billed only on real energy use.
Appliance Recycling Program
electrification and energy efficiencyAn appliance recycling program is a utility service that picks up old, energy-wasting appliances. Most often these are extra fridges or f...
Arrears
billing and meteringArrears means the overdue amount on your account, the part of past bills you have not yet paid. If your account is in arrears, you may face late fees or eventually a shutoff notice. Utilities often offer payment plans to catch up over time, and some have programs that forgive part of the overdue balance for customers who qualify. Options vary by utility and state, so it helps to call your utility early.
Auto-DR (Automated Demand Response)
demand response and load flexibilityAuto-DR means your equipment responds to grid events on its own. The utility sends a signal. Devices like thermostats then cut use based ...
Autopay
billing and meteringAutopay automatically pays your utility bill each period from a bank account or card you choose, on or near the due date. It helps you avoid forgotten payments and late fees. You should still review each bill for accuracy and make sure to keep enough money in the account, since a failed payment can trigger a returned payment fee. Accepted payment methods and timing vary by utility.
Average Daily Usage
billing and meteringAverage daily usage is your total use for the period divided by its number of days. For power, it is shown in kWh per day. Billing periods are not always the same length. So this number gives a fair way to compare month to month or year to year. Many bills show it. You can quickly tell whether a typical day used more or less power than before.
Avoided Cost (PURPA)
regulatory markets and gridAvoided cost is what a utility would have spent to make or buy a unit of power itself. Under the federal PURPA law, it sets the price uti...
Avoided Cost Rate
solar storage and dersThe avoided cost rate is what your utility would have spent to make or buy the power your solar made instead. Some utilities use this rat...
Azimuth and Tilt
solar storage and dersAzimuth and tilt describe how solar panels are positioned. Azimuth is the compass direction the panels face, and tilt is the angle they l...
Backup Power
solar storage and dersBackup power keeps part or all of your home running during an outage. It usually comes from a battery or a generator. Solar panels alone ...
Baseline (DR Measurement)
demand response and load flexibilityA baseline is your expected power use, based on recent similar days. During an event, your actual use is compared to your baseline. The d...
Baseline Allowance
rates and rate designA baseline allowance is the amount of power you can use each month at the lowest tier price. Higher prices kick in above it. It is meant ...
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
evs and transportation electrificationA battery electric vehicle, or BEV, is a fully electric car. It has no gas engine at all. It runs on a big battery that you charge at hom...
Battery Energy Storage System (BESS)
solar storage and dersA battery energy storage system, or BESS, stores power for later use. It pairs battery cells with an inverter and controls. Sizes range f...
Behavioral Demand Response
demand response and load flexibilityBehavioral demand response uses messages, not devices. Your utility sends an alert before a peak event and asks you to cut back. Later, i...
Behind-the-Meter
solar storage and dersBehind-the-meter means energy gear on your side of the utility's electric meter. Rooftop solar and home batteries are examples. Their pow...
Beneficial Electrification
electrification and energy efficiencyBeneficial electrification means going electric only when the switch truly helps. The gains can take a few forms. It could mean less poll...
Bidirectional Charging
evs and transportation electrificationBidirectional charging means power can flow both ways. An EV can take in power and also send it back out. The power can go to your home, ...
Bill Credit
billing and meteringA bill credit is an amount your utility subtracts from what you owe. You might get one for paying too much before. Credits also come from billing fixes, utility programs, or sending solar power to the grid. If a credit is bigger than your bill, the extra usually rolls over to your next bill. Handling varies by utility.
Bill Discount Program
billing and meteringA bill discount program lowers your bill by a set percent or dollar amount if you qualify. Approval is usually based on household income. Being in programs like SNAP or Medicaid can also count. Once you enroll, the discount usually appears on each bill on its own. You may need to re-verify from time to time. Names, discount sizes, and rules vary by utility and state. Contact your utility to learn what is offered and whether you qualify.
Billing Cycle
billing and meteringYour billing cycle is the schedule your utility follows to bill you. It repeats about every 30 days. Each part of town is billed on its own day. So your cycle may not match the calendar month. Its length can also shift by a few days each month. That is one reason two bills can differ even when your daily use stays the same.
Billing Demand
billing and meteringBilling demand is the demand number your utility bills on, in kilowatts (kW). It is used to figure any demand charge. It often equals your highest measured demand for the period. But rate rules can adjust it. For example, a rule may set a floor or use part of a past peak. That past-peak rule is called a ratchet. Demand charges are most common for businesses. Some home rates have them too. Details vary by utility and rate plan.
Billing Determinants
billing and meteringBilling determinants are the measured amounts your utility plugs into its price formulas. They are used to work out your bill. Common ones include kilowatt-hours used, peak demand in kilowatts, and the number of days in the period. Each line on your bill is usually a price times one of these amounts. Regulators also use these numbers when reviewing and setting rates.
Billing Period
billing and meteringThe billing period is the range of dates one bill covers, usually shown near the top of the bill, such as "Service from May 3 to June 2." It runs from one meter reading to the next and is typically around 30 days, though the exact length varies. A longer billing period naturally includes more days of usage, which can make that bill higher.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program
demand response and load flexibilityA bring your own device program lets you enroll gadgets you already own. Examples include a Wi-Fi thermostat, an EV charger, or a home ba...
Budget Billing
billing and meteringBudget billing lets you pay about the same amount each month. Without it, bills can swing up and down with the seasons. Your utility estimates your yearly cost from past use. It divides that into even payments. Now and then, it reviews the plan and settles up any difference. Budget billing does not lower your total cost. It just makes payments easier to predict. Enrollment rules vary by utility.
Building Performance Standard
electrification and energy efficiencyA building performance standard is a rule in some cities and states. It applies to existing buildings, usually large commercial and apart...
Bundled Rate
rates and rate designA bundled rate means one utility provides everything. It makes the power, moves it across the grid, and delivers it to your home. You pay...
Capacity Bidding Program
demand response and load flexibilityA capacity bidding program lets members pledge a set amount of load cuts. The pledge is made ahead of time, like a standing offer to the ...
Capacity Charge
rates and rate designA capacity charge covers the cost of keeping enough power resources ready. They must be able to meet demand on the highest-use days. It i...
Capacity Factor (Solar)
solar storage and dersCapacity factor compares how much electricity a solar system actually produces to what it would produce if it ran at full power 24 hours ...
Capacity Market
regulatory markets and gridA capacity market pays resources for promising to be ready when the grid needs them later. The pay is separate from what they earn for ma...
Charging Connector Standards (J1772, NACS, CCS)
evs and transportation electrificationConnector standards are the plug shapes that link a charger to an EV. J1772 is the older plug for everyday AC charging. CCS adds extra pi...
Charging Session
evs and transportation electrificationA charging session is one complete charging event. It starts when you plug in or start the charger. It ends when you unplug or stop it. C...
Clean Energy Standard
regulatory markets and gridA clean energy standard says a growing share of power must come from sources with little or no carbon. It is wider than a renewable rule ...
Coefficient of Performance (COP)
electrification and energy efficiencyCoefficient of Performance, or COP, measures how much heating or cooling a system gives for the energy it uses. A COP of 3 means you get ...
Coincident Peak Demand
rates and rate designCoincident peak demand is your power use at one key moment. That moment is when the whole system hits its highest point, like a hot summe...
Community Choice Aggregation (CCA)
regulatory markets and gridCommunity choice aggregation lets a city or county buy power supply for the homes and shops in its area. Local goals, like cleaner power,...
Community Solar
solar storage and dersCommunity solar lets you share one big solar project built somewhere else. You sign up for a share of the project. You get credits on you...
Consolidated Billing
billing and meteringConsolidated billing puts charges from more than one company on a single bill. In some states, you can choose your energy supplier. There, your local utility's delivery charges and your supplier's energy charges often share one bill. You make one payment. The other option, called dual billing, sends a separate bill from each company. Whether this is offered depends on your state's rules.
Consumer Advocate (Ratepayer Advocate)
regulatory markets and gridA consumer advocate is a state office that speaks for utility customers. It mostly serves homes and small firms in cases before regulator...
Cost Allocation
regulatory markets and gridCost allocation is how the state splits a utility's approved costs among customer groups. Groups include homes, shops, and factories. The...
Cost of Service
regulatory markets and gridCost of service is how the state figures out what it costs to serve each kind of customer. A study sorts the utility's costs. It assigns ...
Critical Load Panel
solar storage and dersA critical load panel is a small electric panel for your most important circuits. These might be your fridge, some lights, and your inter...
Critical Peak Pricing (CPP)
rates and rate designCritical peak pricing is a rate plan where electricity costs much more during a small number of 'event' hours each year, usually announce...
Curtailable Rate
rates and rate designA curtailable rate offers a discount, usually to large businesses. In return, the customer agrees to cut power use down to a preset level...
Curtailment
demand response and load flexibilityCurtailment means cutting your power use for a short time. It usually happens when your utility asks during a high-demand period. Your cu...
Curtailment (Renewable Generation)
solar storage and dersCurtailment means turning down solar or wind output on purpose. It happens when the grid has more power than it needs. It can also happen...
Curtailment Service Provider
demand response and load flexibilityA curtailment service provider, or CSP, is a company in the big power markets. It signs up customers who agree to cut power use. It sells...
Customer Charge
rates and rate designThe customer charge is a fixed amount on your bill each month that stays the same no matter how much electricity you use. It covers thing...
DC Fast Charging
evs and transportation electrificationDC fast charging is the quickest public charging option. It can take many EVs from low to about 80 percent. That often takes 20 to 60 min...
Declining Block Rate
rates and rate designA declining block rate is the opposite of an inclining one: the first block of monthly usage costs the most per unit, and usage above tha...
Decoupling (Revenue Decoupling)
regulatory markets and gridDecoupling breaks the link between how much power a utility sells and how much money it collects. The state sets the total revenue the ut...
Default Service Rate
rates and rate designThe default service rate is the supply price you pay in a retail choice state if you have not picked a competitive supplier. Your utility...
Degradation Rate (Solar Panel)
solar storage and dersDegradation rate is how much a solar panel's output drops each year as it ages. For modern panels, the drop is a small fraction of a perc...
Degree Days
billing and meteringDegree days measure how much heating or cooling the weather likely required. They are based on how far each day's average temperature was from a base level, usually 65°F. Cold days add heating degree days. Hot days add cooling degree days. Utilities use them to explain why your bill changed. A month with many more degree days than last year usually means your heating or cooling ran more.
Demand Charge
rates and rate designA demand charge is a fee based on your highest level of electricity use at any one time during the billing month, measured in kilowatts. ...
Demand Charge Mitigation (EV Charging)
evs and transportation electrificationA demand charge is a fee some business rate plans include, based on the highest amount of power used at one moment during the billing per...
Demand Limiter
demand response and load flexibilityA demand limiter keeps your total power use below a set level. If too many big appliances run at once, it pauses or staggers some. This c...
Demand Ratchet
rates and rate designA demand ratchet is a billing rule. It can keep your demand charge high after one big usage spike. If your peak jumps one month, the util...
Demand Response (DR)
demand response and load flexibilityDemand response is a way customers help the power grid. You agree to use less power for short periods. These periods often fall on very h...
Demand Response Aggregator
demand response and load flexibilityA demand response aggregator is a company that signs up many customers. It combines their small power cuts into one big resource for the ...
Demand-Side Efficiency Program
electrification and energy efficiencyA demand-side efficiency program is a set of utility services that help customers use less energy. It can include rebates on efficient ge...
Demand-Side Management (DSM)
demand response and load flexibilityDemand-side management, or DSM, is a broad set of utility programs. These programs help people change how and when they use power. Some g...
Demand Subscription
rates and rate designA demand subscription lets you pick a set level of power demand, in kilowatts. You pay a steady charge for it each month. It is much like...
DER Aggregation
solar storage and dersDER aggregation means grouping many small energy devices so they act as one large resource. These can be batteries, smart thermostats, an...
Direct Load Control
demand response and load flexibilityDirect load control is a program where the utility adjusts equipment for you. You give consent first, for devices like an AC or water hea...
Disconnection Notice
billing and meteringA disconnection notice is a formal warning that your utility plans to shut off your service. It usually comes after unpaid bills. The shutoff happens unless you pay or make arrangements by a set date. The notice must say how much you owe, the deadline, and how to get help. If you get one, contact your utility right away. Payment plans, assistance programs, and other protections may be available. Some cover medical needs or severe weather. Rules vary by state.
Distributed Energy Resource (DER)
solar storage and dersA distributed energy resource, or DER, is a small energy device at or near homes and businesses. It is not at a big power plant. Examples...
Distribution Charge
rates and rate designThe distribution charge covers the local network that delivers power to your home. That means neighborhood poles, wires, transformers, an...
Distribution System Operator (DSO)
regulatory markets and gridA distribution system operator manages the local power grid in an active way. It directs things like rooftop solar, home batteries, and s...
DR Event
demand response and load flexibilityA DR event is a set period when the utility asks for help. It is often a few hours on a hot afternoon. People in the program cut back on ...
DR Incentive Payment
demand response and load flexibilityA DR incentive payment is the reward for joining a demand response program. It may be a sign-up bonus, bill credits, or pay based on your...
Dual Billing
billing and meteringDual billing means you get two separate bills for your energy service. One comes from your local utility for delivering energy to your home. The other comes from the supplier you chose for the energy itself. You pay each company on its own. This applies in states where customers can pick their own supplier. The other option is consolidated billing, where everything lands on one bill. Offerings vary by state and supplier.
Dual-Fuel (Hybrid) Heating
electrification and energy efficiencyA dual-fuel or hybrid heating system pairs an electric heat pump with a gas or propane furnace. The heat pump does most of the heating in...
Duck Curve
solar storage and dersThe duck curve is a daily pattern on grids with lots of solar. At midday, solar output peaks, so other plants are needed less. In the eve...
Dynamic Pricing
rates and rate designDynamic pricing is a family of rate plans. Prices change based on what is happening on the grid. They are not set far in advance. One exa...
Economic Demand Response
demand response and load flexibilityEconomic demand response means cutting power use when prices are high. It is about saving money, not an emergency. Members may earn payme...
Economic Development Rate
rates and rate designAn economic development rate is a discount on power for certain businesses. It goes to firms that bring new jobs or money to a community....
Efficiency Rebate
electrification and energy efficiencyAn efficiency rebate is money back when you buy energy-saving gear or make energy-saving home upgrades. Examples include a heat pump, ins...
Electric Cooperative (Co-op)
regulatory markets and gridAn electric cooperative, or co-op, is a power company owned by the customers it serves. It is not run for profit. Members vote for the bo...
Electric Resistance Heating
electrification and energy efficiencyElectric resistance heating makes heat by running power through heating elements. A toaster or hair dryer works the same way. Baseboard h...
Electric Vehicle (EV)
evs and transportation electrificationAn electric vehicle, or EV, runs on a motor and a battery you plug in to charge. Some EVs run only on power from the battery. Plug-in hyb...
Electrification
electrification and energy efficiencyElectrification means swapping fuel-burning equipment in your home for electric versions. A gas furnace, gas water heater, or gas stove c...
Emergency Demand Response
demand response and load flexibilityEmergency demand response is used only when the grid is in real trouble. One example is extreme heat that makes supply run short. Enrolle...
Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
billing and meteringLIHEAP is a federal program run by each state. It helps lower-income households pay home heating and cooling bills. It can also give emergency help if your service is about to be shut off. Sometimes it funds work that makes homes waste less energy. Payments usually go straight to your utility. Whether you qualify depends mainly on household income. Rules, amounts, and sign-up windows vary by state. Check with your state program office or your utility.
Energy Charge
rates and rate designThe energy charge is the part of your bill based on how many kilowatt-hours of electricity you use. Depending on your rate plan, the per-...
Energy Conservation
electrification and energy efficiencyEnergy conservation means cutting energy use by changing habits. You might turn off lights or unplug devices you are not using. You might...
Energy Efficiency
electrification and energy efficiencyEnergy efficiency means using less energy to do the same job. One example is a bulb that shines just as bright on a fraction of the power...
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER/SEER)
electrification and energy efficiencyEER and SEER are ratings that show how efficiently an air conditioner or heat pump cools. EER measures efficiency at one set condition, w...
Energy Efficiency Surcharge
billing and meteringAn energy efficiency surcharge is a small charge on your bill. It funds programs that help customers use less energy. Examples include rebates on appliances, home energy audits, and help sealing up homes. The charge is usually based on how much energy you use. State regulators approve the amount. The name and size vary by utility and state. You may be able to use the programs it funds.
Energy Market (Day-Ahead and Real-Time)
regulatory markets and gridThe energy market is where grid operators buy and sell the power used on the grid. Most power is set up a day ahead, with a price for eac...
ENERGY STAR
electrification and energy efficiencyENERGY STAR is a label backed by the federal government. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency runs the program. The label marks produ...
Estimated Bill
billing and meteringAn estimated bill is based on a best guess of your use, not a real meter reading. This usually happens when the meter could not be read that period. The guess is based on your past use and may factor in weather. Later, a real reading is taken and your account is fixed. If the guess was too high or too low, a later bill corrects the difference. Bills usually say whether a reading was actual or estimated.
EV Charger
evs and transportation electrificationAn EV charger connects an electric car to a power source to charge its battery. Home chargers come in two main types. Level 1 uses a regu...
EV Charger Rebate
evs and transportation electrificationAn EV charger rebate helps cover the cost of a home charging station. It may apply to buying it, installing it, or both. Programs often r...
EV Charging Load Management
evs and transportation electrificationEV charging load management coordinates many chargers at one site. It keeps the total power draw within safe and affordable limits. Charg...
Event Notification
demand response and load flexibilityAn event notification is the alert sent before or during a DR event. It tells you when the event starts and how long it lasts. It may com...
EV Load Forecasting
evs and transportation electrificationEV load forecasting is how utilities predict future power demand from EV charging. They look at the whole service area and at single neig...
EVSE (Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment)
evs and transportation electrificationEVSE stands for electric vehicle supply equipment. It is the technical term for an EV charger. It covers the charging unit, cable, and pl...
EV Time-of-Use Rate
evs and transportation electrificationAn EV time-of-use rate changes the price of power by time of day. Prices are usually lowest overnight, when demand is low. The goal is to...
Export Rate (Solar Compensation)
solar storage and dersThe export rate is the credit your utility gives for each unit of solar power you send to the grid. Some programs match the rate you pay ...
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
solar storage and dersThe federal solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, can lower your federal income taxes. The credit is a share of what you paid for a solar ...
FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission)
regulatory markets and gridFERC is the federal agency that oversees the bulk side of the power system. It covers big power lines that cross state lines and markets ...
Flat Rate
rates and rate designOn a flat rate, you pay one set price for each kilowatt-hour of electricity, no matter the time of day or how much you use in a month. Yo...
Fleet Electrification
evs and transportation electrificationFleet electrification means swapping gas vehicles for electric ones. A business replaces its vans or buses and installs chargers to suppo...
Flexible Load
demand response and load flexibilityA flexible load is power use that can move, slow down, or pause briefly. Examples include EV charging, water heating, and pool pumps. Shi...
Franchise Fee
billing and meteringA franchise fee is money your utility pays your city or town. It buys the right to place poles, wires, and pipes in public streets. The cost is usually passed on to customers as its own line on the bill. It is often a share of your charges. The amount depends on the deal between your local government and the utility. So it varies by place.
Front-of-the-Meter
solar storage and dersFront-of-the-meter means energy resources that connect straight to the power grid, on the utility's side of customer meters. Examples are...
Fuel Cost Adjustment
rates and rate designA fuel cost adjustment is a line on your bill. It rises or falls with the price of fuel used to make power, like natural gas. Base rates ...
Fuel Cost Pass-Through
regulatory markets and gridA fuel cost pass-through lets a utility bill customers for what it truly pays for fuel and purchased power. It often shows up as its own ...
General Service Rate
rates and rate designA general service rate is the standard plan for business customers. That includes stores, offices, and small factories, rather than house...
Generation (Supply) Charge
rates and rate designThe generation or supply charge pays for producing the power you use. It can also cover power bought on the wholesale market. It is separ...
Green Tariff
rates and rate designA green tariff is an optional program from your utility. It lets you buy power matched with renewable sources, such as wind or solar. The...
Grid Modernization
regulatory markets and gridGrid modernization means upgrading the grid with newer technology. This includes smart meters, sensors, automated switches, and better so...
Grid Reliability
regulatory markets and gridGrid reliability is the system's ability to keep power flowing day after day. It needs enough supply to meet demand. It also needs a grid...
Grid Services from DERs
solar storage and dersGrid services from DERs are ways small energy devices help the larger power grid. Home batteries, solar systems, and smart thermostats ca...
Ground-Source (Geothermal) Heat Pump
electrification and energy efficiencyA ground-source heat pump is also called a geothermal heat pump. It heats and cools your home with pipes buried in the ground. A few feet...
Heating Degree Day Impact on Electrified Homes
electrification and energy efficiencyHeating degree days measure how cold the weather was. They add up how far each day's average temperature fell below 65 degrees Fahrenheit...
Heat Pump
electrification and energy efficiencyA heat pump is an all-electric system that heats and cools your home. It does not burn fuel. Instead, it moves heat. In winter it pulls h...
Heat Pump Rebate Program
electrification and energy efficiencyA heat pump rebate program gives you money back when you install a qualifying heat pump. It can cover heat pumps that heat and cool your ...
Heat Pump Water Heater
electrification and energy efficiencyA heat pump water heater warms the water in its tank by pulling heat from the air around it. It does not rely only on electric heating el...
High Bill Alert
billing and meteringA high bill alert is a message sent by text, email, or app. It warns that your current bill is on track to be higher than normal. It can also flag when the bill may pass an amount you chose. Your smart meter data is used to project the bill partway through the cycle. That gives you a chance to cut back or find the cause. It might be a heat wave or a broken appliance. Offerings and settings vary by utility.
Home Battery
solar storage and dersA home battery stores power at your house, from solar panels or the grid, for later use. With the right gear, it can keep key things runn...
Home Energy Audit
electrification and energy efficiencyA home energy audit is a checkup that shows where your home wastes energy. An expert checks things like insulation, air leaks, heating ge...
Home Energy Score
electrification and energy efficiencyThe Home Energy Score is a 1-to-10 rating from the U.S. Department of Energy that estimates how much energy a home will use based on its ...
Hosting Capacity
solar storage and dersHosting capacity is how much solar and battery power a part of the local grid can handle without problems. Problems can include voltage i...
Hours-Use Rate
rates and rate designAn hours-use rate prices power in blocks. The blocks are based on how your total monthly use compares to your peak demand. Customers whos...
Inclining Block Rate
rates and rate designAn inclining block rate charges less for your first block of monthly power use. Blocks above that cost more per unit. The goal is to keep...
Independent System Operator (ISO)
regulatory markets and gridAn Independent System Operator, or ISO, runs a region's high-voltage grid. It also runs the markets where bulk power is traded. It balanc...
Induction Cooktop
electrification and energy efficiencyAn induction cooktop is an electric stove that heats pots and pans directly with magnetic energy. It does not heat a burner or burn gas. ...
Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Rebates
electrification and energy efficiencyIRA rebates are home energy rebates. They come from a federal law, the Inflation Reduction Act. Each state's energy office runs its own v...
Insulation Upgrade
electrification and energy efficiencyAn insulation upgrade means adding more insulation to your home. Insulation is the material that slows heat from passing through your att...
Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
regulatory markets and gridAn integrated resource plan is a utility's long-range road map. It often looks 10 to 20 years ahead. It shows how the utility will meet d...
Interconnection
solar storage and dersInterconnection is the process of safely linking your solar or battery system to the utility's grid. You send in an application. The util...
Interconnection Agreement
solar storage and dersAn interconnection agreement is the contract you sign with your utility before your system can connect to the grid. It spells out the saf...
Interruptible Rate
rates and rate designAn interruptible rate gives a discount, usually to a large business. In return, the customer agrees the utility can cut off some or all o...
Interruptible Service Program
demand response and load flexibilityAn interruptible service program is a deal, mostly for large businesses. The customer pays lower rates. In return, they agree to cut powe...
Interval Data
billing and meteringInterval data is your power use broken into small time blocks. A smart meter records it, often every 15 minutes or every hour. Instead of one monthly total, it shows when you used power each day. Utilities use it for time-based rates and billing. Many also let you view your own data online. You can spot patterns, like spikes when the air conditioner runs.
Investor-Owned Utility (IOU)
regulatory markets and gridAn investor-owned utility is a power company owned by private shareholders. It is not owned by a city or its customers. It is often the o...
Irrigation Rate
rates and rate designAn irrigation rate is a plan made for farmers who use electric pumps to water crops. Pumping is seasonal, and it can often be shifted in ...
Islanding / Anti-Islanding
solar storage and dersIslanding is when a solar system keeps feeding power into utility lines during an outage. That is a danger to crews fixing the lines. Ant...
Kilowatt (kW)
billing and meteringA kilowatt (kW) measures how fast electricity is being used at any moment. It equals 1,000 watts. Think of it like the speedometer in a car: it shows the rate of use, not the total amount. The total amount of electricity you use over time is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which is what most home bills are based on.
Kilowatt DC vs AC Rating
solar storage and dersSolar systems have two size ratings. The DC rating is the combined power of the panels themselves. The AC rating is the most power the in...
Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)
billing and meteringA kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the unit used to measure how much electricity you use, and it is what most home electric bills are based on. Using 1,000 watts of power for one hour equals one kWh. For example, running a 1,000-watt space heater for an hour uses about 1 kWh. Your meter counts kWh, and your utility multiplies that number by its price per kWh to figure your energy charge.
kWh per Mile (EV Efficiency)
evs and transportation electrificationkWh per mile shows how much power an EV uses to go one mile. A kilowatt-hour, or kWh, is the same unit on your power bill. Many EVs use a...
Late Payment Charge
billing and meteringA late payment charge is an extra amount added when you pay after the due date. It is often a small share of the unpaid balance. Some utilities use a flat fee instead. State rules and approved rates set the amount. Some customers, like those in assistance programs, may be exempt. If paying on time is hard, ask your utility about a payment plan. That may help you avoid these charges.
Level 1 Charging
evs and transportation electrificationLevel 1 charging uses a normal 120-volt wall outlet. It uses the cord that usually comes with the car. It is the slowest option, adding a...
Level 2 Charging
evs and transportation electrificationLevel 2 charging uses a 240-volt circuit, like the kind for an electric dryer. It charges several times faster than a wall outlet. It oft...
Lifeline (Low-Income) Rate
rates and rate designA lifeline or low-income rate offers discounted power service to households that qualify based on income. The discount might be a percent...
Load Calculation (Electrification Readiness)
electrification and energy efficiencyA load calculation checks whether your home's wiring and panel can handle new electric gear. That gear might be a heat pump, an EV charge...
Load Factor
rates and rate designLoad factor measures how steady your power use is. It compares your average use over a period to your highest peak. Suppose you used powe...
Load Flexibility
demand response and load flexibilityLoad flexibility means power use that can bend to match grid needs. Use can shift up, down, earlier, or later. Examples include charging ...
Load Profile
billing and meteringA load profile is a pattern showing how your power use rises and falls over time. It can be hour by hour or season by season. Many homes use little power overnight and the most in the early evening. Utilities use these patterns to design rates. They also use them to estimate when groups of customers use power. Your own pattern depends on your appliances, habits, and the weather.
Load Reduction Commitment
demand response and load flexibilityA load reduction commitment is a pledge to cut a set amount of power. The amount is measured in kilowatts. During events, results are che...
Load Shedding
demand response and load flexibilityLoad shedding means cutting power use on purpose when supply runs short. Sometimes the utility turns off power to some areas for short pe...
Load Shifting
demand response and load flexibilityLoad shifting means moving your power use to quieter, cheaper hours. You still use the same amount, just at better times. For example, yo...
Locational Marginal Price (LMP)
regulatory markets and gridLocational marginal price is the bulk price of power at one exact spot on the grid at one time. It reflects the cost of making the next b...
Make-Ready Program
evs and transportation electrificationA make-ready program is utility help with wiring work before chargers go in. It can cover upgraded service, panels, conduit, and wiring t...
Managed Charging
demand response and load flexibilityManaged charging lets your utility or a service schedule your EV charging. Charging usually shifts to off-peak hours or times with lots o...
Master Metering
billing and meteringMaster metering means one meter serves a whole building or complex. The property owner, not each tenant, is the utility's customer. Residents usually pay for energy through rent. Sometimes the owner bills them using private submeters. Tenants do not see their own use directly. For that reason, many states limit master metering in new buildings. Rules vary by state.
Medical Baseline Program
billing and meteringA medical baseline program helps people who need extra energy for health reasons. Some run life-support gear at home. Others must keep their home at a safe, steady warmth. Enrolled customers get an extra share of energy at the lowest price tier. They also get extra notice before any shutoff. A medical professional usually must confirm the need. Rules vary by utility and state. Check with your utility.
Megawatt (MW)
billing and meteringA megawatt (MW) equals one million watts, or 1,000 kilowatts (kW). It measures how fast power is made or used at one moment. You will hardly ever see it on a home bill. The term mostly describes power plants, solar farms, and other large grid gear. One megawatt can power a few hundred homes at once. The exact number can vary.
Megawatt-Hour (MWh)
billing and meteringA megawatt-hour (MWh) is a big unit of energy. It equals 1,000 kilowatt-hours (kWh), the unit on your home bill. Power companies and markets use it to count what big plants make and sell. For scale, a normal US home uses about 10 MWh in a year.
Metered Demand
billing and meteringMetered demand is the highest power use your meter actually recorded during the period. It is usually measured as your average use over a short window, like 15 or 30 minutes. It shows your real peak before any rate rules change it. The number you are billed on is called billing demand. It may match, or rate plan rules may adjust it.
Meter Multiplier
billing and meteringA meter multiplier is a number used to scale up your meter's reading. Your true use equals the reading change times that number. Some meters, mainly on large buildings, track only a slice of the power flowing. So the reading must be scaled up. For most homes the multiplier is simply 1. That means the meter reads use directly. If your bill shows a multiplier, it is part of the math.
Meter Reading
billing and meteringA meter reading is the number taken from your meter. The meter keeps a running count of all the power, gas, or water your home has used. Your utility subtracts the last reading from the new one. The difference is what you used and what you pay for. Readings can be taken in person or sent by a smart meter. If no reading is possible, the utility may estimate one.
Microinverter
solar storage and dersA microinverter is a small unit mounted under each solar panel. It converts that one panel's power on its own. If one panel is shaded or ...
Mid-Peak (Shoulder) Period
rates and rate designThe mid-peak or 'shoulder' period is a set of hours on some time-of-use plans where prices fall between the high on-peak price and the lo...
Minimum Bill
rates and rate designA minimum bill is the smallest amount you can be charged in a month, even if you use very little or no electricity. It covers the basic c...
Multifamily (MUD) Charging
evs and transportation electrificationMultifamily charging brings EV charging to apartments and condos. Residents there usually cannot install a charger on their own. Options ...
Municipal Utility
regulatory markets and gridA municipal utility is a power company owned by a city or town. It is not run for profit. The city council or a local board sets its rate...
Net Billing
solar storage and dersNet billing is one way utilities credit solar customers for extra power. It is not the same as net metering. The power you buy and the po...
Net Energy Metering Successor Tariff
regulatory markets and gridA net energy metering successor tariff is a newer way some states pay solar customers for extra power sent to the grid. Old net metering ...
Net Metering
solar storage and dersNet metering is a billing method for solar customers. When your panels make more power than you use, the extra goes to the grid and you e...
Networked (Smart) Charger
evs and transportation electrificationA networked, or smart, charger is an EV charger that connects to the internet. You can watch and schedule charging from an app. Your util...
Non-Bypassable Charge
rates and rate designA non-bypassable charge is a fee that all customers must pay. It applies no matter where you buy your power. It applies even if you make ...
Non-Coincident Peak Demand
rates and rate designNon-coincident peak demand is your own highest power use in a billing period. It counts no matter when it happens. It might occur at midn...
Non-Wires Alternative
regulatory markets and gridA non-wires alternative meets a local grid need without building new lines or substations. Instead, the utility uses things like batterie...
Off-Peak Period
rates and rate designThe off-peak period covers the hours when power costs the least on a time-based rate. These are usually overnight, and often weekends and...
On-Peak Period
rates and rate designThe on-peak period is the block of hours when electricity prices are highest on a time-based rate plan, because that's when demand on the...
OpenADR
demand response and load flexibilityOpenADR is an open standard for grid messages. It lets utilities send demand response signals to devices and building systems. The signal...
Opt-Out (DR Event)
demand response and load flexibilityAn opt-out lets you skip one demand response event. You stay enrolled in the program. For example, you can override your thermostat durin...
Outage / Service Interruption
regulatory markets and gridAn outage, also called a service interruption, is any time electric service stops. Causes include storms, fallen trees, broken gear, and ...
Panel Upgrade (Electrical Service Upgrade)
electrification and energy efficiencyA panel upgrade means replacing your home's main breaker box. Sometimes the wires feeding it are replaced too. The goal is to safely hand...
Paperless Billing
billing and meteringPaperless billing means your utility bill arrives by email or online instead of by mail. You usually view it through your online account. The charges, the due date, and your duty to pay stay the same. Only how it arrives changes. It can cut clutter and mail delays. Some utilities offer small perks for signing up. You can usually switch back to paper if you prefer.
Payment Arrangement
billing and meteringA payment arrangement is a plan you set up with your utility. It lets you pay an overdue balance in smaller chunks over several months. You keep paying new bills at the same time. It can help you avoid shutoff and extra fees. You may need to make a down payment. Missing plan payments can put your service at risk again. Terms vary by utility and state, so ask your utility what plans it offers.
Peak Demand
billing and meteringPeak demand is the highest amount of power used at one time. For your home, it is your biggest burst of usage during the billing period. For the grid, it is the time when everyone's usage adds up to the most, often on very hot or very cold days. Utilities must build enough equipment to handle these peaks, which is why some rate plans charge more during peak hours or for high peak demand.
Peak Shaving
demand response and load flexibilityPeak shaving means cutting power use in the few busiest hours. These are often hot summer afternoons or cold winter mornings. You can coo...
Peak-Time Rebate (PTR)
rates and rate designA peak-time rebate program gives you a bill credit for cutting back. It applies during certain announced 'peak' hours, like very hot afte...
Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP)
billing and meteringA Percentage of Income Payment Plan (PIPP) caps what some customers pay for utility service. Instead of the full bill, they pay a set share of their household income. The plan is for customers with lower incomes who qualify. Many plans also forgive part of old unpaid balances when the customer pays on time. PIPPs exist only in certain states and at certain utilities. Income limits and terms vary. Check with your utility or the program office to see if you qualify.
Performance-Based Regulation
regulatory markets and gridPerformance-based regulation ties part of a utility's pay to how well it does its job. The state sets goals, such as fewer outages or bet...
Permission to Operate (PTO)
solar storage and dersPermission to Operate, or PTO, is the utility's final OK to turn on your new solar or battery system. It comes after your paperwork is ap...
Planned Outage
regulatory markets and gridA planned outage is a power shutoff the utility schedules ahead of time. It lets crews safely fix, maintain, or upgrade equipment. Custom...
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV)
evs and transportation electrificationA plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, has a plug-in battery and a gas engine. It can drive a few dozen miles on battery power alone. Then it switche...
Power Cost Adjustment
rates and rate designA power cost adjustment is a charge or credit on your bill. It tracks what your utility pays for the power it supplies. That includes pow...
Power Factor
billing and meteringPower factor measures how well a building uses the power sent to it. The scale runs from 0 to 1. A low power factor means the utility must push extra current through its wires for the same useful power. That adds strain and cost to the system. Utilities often charge businesses a penalty for low power factor. Homes are usually not billed for it.
Power Factor Penalty
rates and rate designA power factor penalty is an extra charge, mostly for businesses with big motors and machines. Their gear may use power in a sloppy way, ...
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA, Residential Solar)
solar storage and dersA power purchase agreement, or PPA, is a contract with a solar company. The company owns and maintains the panels on your roof. You pay o...
Prepaid Billing
billing and meteringWith prepaid billing, you pay for power before you use it. There is no bill afterward. Your use draws down your account balance. The utility sends alerts when the balance gets low, so you can add funds. If it runs out, service may be shut off. Consumer protections apply, and rules vary by utility and state. Prepaid plans often skip deposits and late fees, but terms differ by program.
Proration
billing and meteringProration means adjusting charges to match a partial or unusual billing period. For example, if you start service in the middle of a billing cycle, fixed monthly fees are split so you pay only for the days you had service. Utilities also prorate when a billing period is longer or shorter than usual or when your rate changes mid-period. The goal is that you pay only for what applied during your actual service days.
Provider of Last Resort (POLR)
regulatory markets and gridThe provider of last resort is the backup power supplier in states with retail choice. If you never pick a supplier, it serves you. If yo...
Public Charging Network
evs and transportation electrificationA public charging network is a group of EV charging stations run by one company under one app or membership system. Drivers use the app o...
Public Purpose Charge
billing and meteringA public purpose charge is a small fee on utility bills. It pays for programs that help the public. These include help for lower-income customers, energy saving rebates, and support for clean power. State regulators approve the charge. Most customers in the area pay it based on their use. What it funds, and what it is called, vary by state. Many of the programs it supports are open for customers to use.
Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS)
regulatory markets and gridA Public Safety Power Shutoff is when a utility turns off lines on purpose during risky fire weather. Strong winds and dry brush can let ...
Public Utility Commission (PUC)
regulatory markets and gridA Public Utility Commission is a state agency. It watches over power and gas companies. It must approve the rates they charge. It also re...
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA)
regulatory markets and gridPURPA is a federal law from 1978. It makes utilities buy power from certain small producers, called qualifying facilities. The price is b...
Qualifying Facility (QF)
regulatory markets and gridA qualifying facility is a power producer that meets federal rules under the PURPA law. It can be a smaller plant that runs on renewable ...
Range Anxiety
evs and transportation electrificationRange anxiety is the fear of running out of battery before you arrive. It is common for new EV drivers. It tends to fade with experience....
Rate Base
regulatory markets and gridRate base is the value of the gear a utility has bought to serve customers. It includes things like power lines, plants, and substations,...
Rate Case
regulatory markets and gridA rate case is the formal way a utility asks the state to change its rates. The utility must show proof of its costs and plans. Groups th...
Rate Class
rates and rate designA rate class is a group of customers billed under similar rules. They use power in similar ways. Examples include homes, small businesses...
Rate Code (on a Bill)
billing and meteringThe rate code on your bill shows which pricing plan applies to your account. The plan is also called a rate schedule or tariff. It sets the prices and rules used to figure your charges. For example, a standard home rate differs from a time-of-use rate, which prices power by time of day. Curious whether another plan fits you better? You can ask your utility or look up the code on its website.
Rate Design
rates and rate designRate design is how utilities and regulators decide the shape of power prices. They choose how much comes from fixed monthly fees. They ch...
Rate Rider
rates and rate designA rate rider is an add-on charge or credit. It sits on top of your basic rates and covers one specific cost. Examples include fuel price ...
Rate Schedule
rates and rate designA rate schedule is the official document that describes one specific rate plan: the prices, the fees, who can sign up, and the rules of s...
Real-Time Pricing (RTP)
rates and rate designReal-time pricing means the price of power changes hour by hour. It follows the wholesale market where utilities buy power. Prices are us...
Reconnection Fee
billing and meteringA reconnection fee is a charge to turn your service back on after a shutoff. This usually follows unpaid bills. It covers the cost of the work. A worker may visit, or the meter may be switched on from afar. Remote reconnections often cost less. Before service returns, you usually must pay the overdue balance or set up a plan. A deposit is sometimes needed too. Fees and rules vary by utility and state.
Regional Transmission Organization (RTO)
regulatory markets and gridA Regional Transmission Organization, or RTO, runs the high-voltage grid for a multi-state region. It also runs the markets where bulk po...
Reliability Standards (NERC)
regulatory markets and gridNERC reliability standards are rules for the firms that run the big power grid. They keep the high-voltage grid stable and secure. The No...
Renewable Energy Certificate (REC)
solar storage and dersA Renewable Energy Certificate, or REC, is proof that clean power was made. One REC stands for one megawatt-hour of power from a source l...
Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS)
regulatory markets and gridA renewable portfolio standard is a state rule about clean power sources. It says a set share of the power sold must come from sources li...
Resilience (Grid)
regulatory markets and gridGrid resilience is the power grid's ability to take a big hit and bounce back fast. Think of storms, wildfires, deep freezes, or cyberatt...
Resource Adequacy
regulatory markets and gridResource adequacy means having enough power supply lined up to meet demand at all times. It includes a cushion for extreme weather or bro...
Retail Choice (Deregulation)
regulatory markets and gridRetail choice means you can shop for the supply part of your power service. It exists in some states. Competing companies sell the power ...
Retail Electric Provider (REP)
regulatory markets and gridA retail electric provider is a company that sells power plans to customers. This setup exists in states with retail choice. The provider...
Returned Payment Fee
billing and meteringA returned payment fee is charged when a payment you made does not go through. A bounced check is one example. A failed bank withdrawal is another. Besides the fee, your original bill remains unpaid. Late charges could also apply until you pay with a method that clears. Fee amounts are set by the utility within state rules. They vary by utility and state.
Return on Equity (Utility)
regulatory markets and gridReturn on equity is the profit rate a utility may earn on money from its shareholders. The state sets this percent in a rate case. The go...
Revenue Requirement
regulatory markets and gridThe revenue requirement is the total money a utility may collect in a year. The state sets this amount. It covers running costs, taxes, a...
Rolling Blackout
regulatory markets and gridA rolling blackout is a controlled, short shutoff of power to groups of customers in turns. It is used when demand for power tops the sup...
Rooftop Solar
solar storage and dersRooftop solar is a solar power system placed on the roof of your home or building. The panels make power that your home uses first. That ...
SAIDI/SAIFI (Reliability Metrics)
regulatory markets and gridSAIDI and SAIFI are the standard scorecards for electric service. SAIDI is the average minutes a customer went without power in a year. S...
Seasonal Rate
rates and rate designA seasonal rate means the price of power changes with the time of year. Prices are usually higher in the season with the most demand. Tha...
Self-Consumption
solar storage and dersSelf-consumption is the share of your solar power that your home uses directly. The rest goes to the grid. You can raise it by running ap...
Separately Metered EV Rate
evs and transportation electrificationA separately metered EV rate uses a second meter just for the car. Only the car's power gets time-based prices. The rest of your home sta...
Service Address
billing and meteringThe service address is the place where your utility delivers service. It is the home or building hooked to the meter. It can differ from your mailing address, which is just where bills go. The utility uses it to find the right meter, send repairs, and track outages. So make sure it is correct on your account.
Shading Analysis
solar storage and dersA shading analysis studies how shadows from trees, chimneys, and nearby buildings will hit a solar array. It looks across the day and the...
Shutoff Protection
billing and meteringShutoff protection refers to rules that stop or delay a shutoff for unpaid bills in certain cases. Examples include extreme heat or cold. A serious health problem in the home counts too. So does keeping up with a payment plan. These protections buy time. They do not erase what you owe. The rules and how to claim them vary by state and utility. If you are at risk, contact your utility right away.
Smart Charging
evs and transportation electrificationSmart charging uses a connected charger or the car's own software. It charges at the best times on its own, such as off-peak hours. It ca...
Smart Home Energy Management
electrification and energy efficiencySmart home energy management means using connected devices to track and manage your home's energy use. Examples include smart thermostats...
Smart Inverter
solar storage and dersA smart inverter converts solar power for your home, like any inverter. But it can also help the grid. It can adjust output to steady vol...
Smart Meter
billing and meteringA smart meter is a digital meter. It records your power use in small chunks of time, often every 15 minutes or every hour. It sends that data to your utility on its own. So there are no estimated reads from missed visits. Outages can be spotted faster. You can often see your detailed use in your online account. Smart meters also allow plans where prices change by time of day.
Smart Thermostat Program
demand response and load flexibilityA smart thermostat program uses your Wi-Fi thermostat to help the grid. During peak events, the utility adjusts your setting a few degree...
Solar Access Rights
solar storage and dersSolar access rights are legal protections for putting solar panels on your property. They also protect the sunlight reaching those panels...
Solar Consumer Protection Disclosure
solar storage and dersA solar consumer protection disclosure is a required fact sheet in many states. Solar companies must give it to you before you sign a con...
Solar Easement
solar storage and dersA solar easement is a legal deal, usually with a neighbor, that protects the sunlight reaching your panels. It limits things like tall tr...
Solar Inverter
solar storage and dersA solar inverter changes the power from your panels into the kind your home uses. Panels make DC power. Your home and the grid use AC pow...
Solar Lease
solar storage and dersA solar lease lets you use a solar system that a company owns and puts on your home. You pay a fixed monthly amount. Unlike a PPA, you do...
Solar Loan
solar storage and dersA solar loan lets you borrow money to buy and own your solar system. You pay it back over time with interest. Since you own the system, y...
Solar Panel (Module)
solar storage and dersA solar panel, also called a module, is the flat unit you see on solar roofs. Inside are thin cells that make power when sunlight hits th...
Solar Photovoltaic (PV) System
solar storage and dersA solar photovoltaic (PV) system turns sunlight into power for your home. It includes the solar panels, an inverter, racks, and wiring. T...
Solar-Plus-Storage
solar storage and dersSolar-plus-storage pairs solar panels with a battery at your home. The panels make power during the day. The battery saves extra power fo...
Solar Production Estimate
solar storage and dersA solar production estimate predicts how much power your system should make in a year. It is based on system size, roof direction, shadin...
Solar Renewable Energy Certificate (SREC)
solar storage and dersA Solar Renewable Energy Certificate, or SREC, is a paper credit your system earns. You get one for each 1,000 kilowatt-hours of solar po...
Standby Rate
rates and rate designA standby rate applies to customers who make most of their own power on site. They pay it so the utility stays ready. The utility supplie...
Storage Dispatch
solar storage and dersStorage dispatch means deciding when your battery charges and when it sends power out. The software might keep a reserve for outages. It ...
Storage Incentive Program
solar storage and dersA storage incentive program gives financial help for a home battery. It might be an upfront rebate or a tax break. It might be ongoing pa...
Street Lighting Rate
rates and rate designA street lighting rate is a special plan for streetlights and other outdoor lights. Cities, towns, or property owners usually pay it. The...
String Inverter
solar storage and dersA string inverter is one central unit for a group of panels. The panels are wired together in a line called a string. The unit sits on a ...
Submetering
billing and meteringSubmetering means a building has one main utility meter plus smaller private meters. The small meters track each unit's use. The landlord or a billing company uses those readings to split the building's utility cost. Each tenant pays based on what they actually used. Many states regulate submetering. Rules often require accurate meters and limit charges to the actual cost. Tenant protections vary by state.
Subscription Rate
rates and rate designA subscription rate lets you pay a set amount for power each month. The amount is based on your typical use. Your bill stays steady inste...
Super Off-Peak Period
rates and rate designA super off-peak period is a window of hours with the lowest prices on some time-of-use plans, even lower than regular off-peak. It usual...
Tariff
rates and rate designA tariff is the full set of official documents that spell out a utility's prices, rate plans, fees, and rules of service. Regulators revi...
Tariff Filing
regulatory markets and gridA tariff is a utility's official price list and service rule book. A tariff filing is when the utility sends new or changed pages to the ...
Taxes and Surcharges (Utility Bill)
billing and meteringTaxes and surcharges are the extra line items on your bill. They sit beyond the cost of the energy itself and its delivery. Taxes go to state or local governments. Surcharges are fees approved by regulators to cover set costs. Examples include energy saving programs, help for lower-income customers, and storm repairs. Which items appear, and how big they are, depend on where you live and your utility.
Tiered Rate
rates and rate designA tiered rate splits your monthly power use into blocks, called tiers. Each tier has its own price. For example, the first block has one ...
Time-of-Export Compensation
solar storage and dersTime-of-export compensation ties your export credit to the clock. Power sent in busy evening hours earns more. Power sent at midday earns...
Time-of-Use (TOU) Rate
rates and rate designA time-of-use rate means the price you pay for electricity depends on the time of day. Power costs more during 'peak' hours, when lots of...
Time-Varying Rate
rates and rate designA time-varying rate is any plan where the price depends on when you use power. Time-of-use rates with set daily periods fit here. So do s...
Transmission and Distribution (T&D)
regulatory markets and gridTransmission and distribution are the two parts of the system that deliver power. Transmission lines are tall and carry high voltage. The...
Transmission Charge
rates and rate designThe transmission charge on your bill pays for high-voltage power lines. These lines and related gear carry power over long distances, fro...
True-Up Statement
solar storage and dersA true-up statement is a once-a-year summary that settles your solar account. It adds up the power you bought and the credits you earned ...
Unbundled Rate
rates and rate designAn unbundled rate breaks your bill into separate charges for each part of the service. Generation means producing the power. Transmission...
Universal Service
regulatory markets and gridUniversal service is the idea that everyone should be able to get basic utility service at a price they can manage. It is behind rules th...
Usage Alert
billing and meteringA usage alert notifies you when your energy or water use passes a level you set or behaves unusually, sent by text, email, or app. It draws on smart meter data, so you can catch things early, like a spike in usage, a possible water leak, or simply spending more than planned. You can often choose your own thresholds. Features and availability vary by utility.
Usage History
billing and meteringYour usage history is the record of how much energy or water you have used over time, often shown as a 12- or 13-month chart on your bill or in your online account. It helps you compare this month to the same month last year and spot unusual changes. Utilities also use it to estimate bills and set budget billing amounts. With a smart meter, you can often see usage by day or even by hour.
Utility Deposit
billing and meteringA utility deposit is money you may need to pay up front before service starts. It is most common for new customers or those with past payment problems. The deposit is held as security and often earns interest. You usually get it back after a stretch of on-time payments, or when you close your account. Anything you still owe is taken out first. Amounts and refund timing vary by utility and state.
Variable Peak Pricing
rates and rate designVariable peak pricing is a plan where the peak hours stay the same each day, but the price during those hours changes daily based on cond...
Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G)
evs and transportation electrificationVehicle-to-grid, or V2G, lets a properly equipped EV send battery power back to the grid. This usually happens during high-demand periods...
Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)
evs and transportation electrificationVehicle-to-home, or V2H, lets a compatible EV power your house. It is most often used as backup power during an outage. It can also cut g...
Virtual Power Plant (VPP)
solar storage and dersA virtual power plant, or VPP, links many home energy devices with software. Batteries, smart thermostats, and car chargers can all join....
Volumetric Charge
rates and rate designA volumetric charge is the part of your bill that's based on the amount of energy you use, measured in kilowatt-hours. Unlike a fixed mon...
Water Heater Control Program
demand response and load flexibilityThis program lets your utility briefly pause your electric water heater. It usually happens during peak demand hours. The tank stores hot...
Weatherization
electrification and energy efficiencyWeatherization means fixing up your home so it holds heat in winter and blocks heat in summer. Common steps include adding insulation and...
Weather Normalization
billing and meteringWeather normalization is a math adjustment. It shows what your energy use would have been with typical weather. Very hot or cold spells drive heating and cooling use up. It helps tell real changes in habits or gear apart from weather swings. Utilities use it for forecasts and program reviews. Some also use related tweaks in rates, with regulator approval. Practices vary by utility and state.
Whole-Home EV Rate
evs and transportation electrificationA whole-home EV rate puts time-based prices on all the power your home uses, not just the car. You keep your existing meter, so nothing n...
Wholesale Electricity Market
regulatory markets and gridThe wholesale electricity market is where power is bought and sold in bulk. Power plant owners sell to the companies that serve customers...
Workplace Charging
evs and transportation electrificationWorkplace charging lets workers plug in their EVs during the workday. Stations are usually Level 1 or Level 2 in the company lot. Cars si...