Frequency regulation involves moment-to-moment reconciliation of the supply of electricity and the demand for electricity. The reconciliation is done every few seconds. So at any given moment, if electricity demand exceeds supply then the supply is increased to meet demand. And, if demand is less than supply then the supply is decreased. (SOURCE: D [..]

A charge paid by all market participants withdrawing energy from the ISO controlled grid. The access charge will recover the portion of a utility's transmission revenue requirement not recovered through the variable usage charge. (SOURCE: California Energy Commission, http://www.consumerenergycenter.org)

A system designed to convert solar radiation into usable energy for space, water heating, or other uses. It requires a mechanical device, usually a pump or fan, to collect the sun's energy. (SOURCE: California Energy Commission, http://www.consumerenergycenter.org)

A bid that is used by the ISO to adjust supply or demand when congestion is anticipated. (SOURCE: California Energy Commission, http://www.consumerenergycenter.org)

Water conditions limiting the production of hydroelectric power. In years having below-normal levels of rain and snow, and in seasons having less-than-usual runoff from mountain snowpack, there is then less water available for hydro energy production. (SOURCE: California Energy Commission, http://www.consumerenergycenter.org)

Any entity, such as a marketer, broker, public agency city, county or special district that combines the loads of multiple end use customers in negotiating the purchase of electricity, the transmission of electricity and other related services to these customers. (SOURCE: California Energy Commission, http://www.consumerenergycenter.org)

Liquid chemicals made from renewable resources such as locally grown crops and even waste products. They contain a certain combination of hydrogen, carbon and oxygen that qualifies them as fuels. Methanol and ethanol are two types of alcohol fuels used in cars. (SOURCE: California Energy Commission, http://www.consumerenergycenter.org)

Flow of electricity that constantly changes direction between positive and negative sides. Almost all power produced by electric utilities in the United States moves in current that shifts direction at a rate of 60 times per second. (SOURCE: California Energy Commission, http://www.consumerenergycenter.org)

Alternative energy is an umbrella term that refers to any source of usable energy intended to replace fuel sources (fossil fuels and nuclear energy) without the undesired consequences of high carbon dioxide emissions -- the major contributing factor of global warming. Examples of alternative energy include wind power and solar polar. (SOURCE: AeroV [..]

The services other than scheduled energy that are required to maintain system reliability and meet WSCC/NERC operating criteria. Such services include spinning, non-spinning, and replacement reserves, voltage control, and black start capability. (SOURCE: California Energy Commission, http://www.consumerenergycenter.org)