Blackout

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The emergency loss of the source of electricity serving an area caused by failure of the generation, transmission, or distribution system.

Brown-out

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A voltage reduction during an electrical shortage that causes conditions such as dim lights.

Busbar

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The point at which power is available for transmission. A conductor or group of conductors that serve as a common connection for two or more circuits, generally in the form of insulated cable, rigid rectangular or round bars, or stranded overhead cables held under tension.

Capacitor

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A transmission element designed to inject reactive power into the transmission network. Also used to increase voltages reduce loadings, and increase available kW output from generators. Capacitor ratings are given in Megavars.

Capacity

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The power output rating of a generator, given in megawatts, measured on an instantaneous basis.

Circuit

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A conductor or a system of conductors through which electric current flows.

Combined cycle

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The combination of one or more gas turbine and steam turbines in an electric generation plant. An electric generating technology in which electricity is produced from otherwise lost waste heat exiting from one or more gas (combustion) turbines. The heat is routed to a conventional boiler or to a heat recovery steam generator for use by a steam turbine in the production of electricity. This process increases the efficiency of the electric generating unit.

Conductor

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A substance or body, usually in the form of a wire, cable, or busbar, that allows a current of electricity to pass continuously along it.

Connection

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The physical junction (transmission lines, transformers, switch gear, etc) between two electric systems permitting the transfer of electricity.

Current

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A flow of electrons in an electrical conductor. The rate of movement of the electricity, measured in amperes.