Electric utility

Electric Utility Organization and Oversight
– An electric power system is a group of generation, transmission, distribution, communication, and other facilities that are physically connected.
– The flow of electricity within the system is maintained and controlled by dispatch centers.
– Dispatch centers can buy and sell electricity based on system requirements.
– Electric utility executives in regulated companies are less likely to use incentive-based remuneration.
– Deregulation has led to increased executive compensation in electric utilities.
– Oversight of electric utilities is typically carried out at the national level.
– There is no influential international energy oversight organization.
– The World Energy Council advises and shares new information but has no legislative or executive power.
– Financial support and external influences can affect the level of oversight.
– The lack of a centralized oversight organization can lead to variations in oversight practices.

Promotion of Alternative Energy
– The United States promotes alternative energy through subsidies, rewards, and incentives.
– Nicaragua provided tax and duty exemptions to renewable energy companies, which spurred private investment.
– The success of alternative energy promotion in Nicaragua is not easily replicated.
– Globally, the transition to renewables in electric utilities remains slow due to continued investment in fossil fuel capacity.
– The movement towards alternative energy, known as Energiewende, has been considered a failure for various reasons.

Nuclear Energy
– Nuclear energy may be classified as a green source depending on the country.
– The 2011 Fukushima nuclear power plant disaster led to a move away from nuclear energy, especially for privately owned plants.
– Privatization of nuclear power plants has been criticized for cutting corners and costs for profits.
– Many countries felt pressured to close nuclear power plants in response to public concerns.
– Nuclear energy still plays a major role in many communities around the world.

Customer Expectations
– Utilities face challenges in meeting the unique needs of individual customers.
– Customers expect a transformation of the electric grid to provide new tools and better data for energy management.
– Advanced protections against cyberattacks are among the customer expectations.
– Minimizing outage times and quickening power restoration are important to customers.
– Meeting customer expectations requires significant changes to the electric grid.

Types of Electric Utilities, Sources of Electricity Generation, Transmission and Distribution, Energy Efficiency and Conservation, Customer Programs and Services
– Investor-owned utilities (IOUs) are privately owned companies that provide electricity to customers and aim to generate profits.
– Publicly owned utilities (POUs) are owned and operated by local governments or municipalities.
– Cooperative utilities are owned and governed by the customers they serve.
– Municipal utilities are owned and operated by cities or towns.
– Rural electric cooperatives provide electricity to rural areas and are owned and governed by the customers they serve.
– Fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas, and oil, are commonly used for electricity generation.
– Nuclear power plants generate electricity by harnessing the energy from nuclear reactions.
– Renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal, are increasingly being used for electricity generation.
– Biomass, derived from organic matter, can be used to generate electricity.
– Combined heat and power (CHP) systems simultaneously produce electricity and useful heat from a single energy source.
– Transmission systems transport electricity over long distances from power plants to local distribution systems.
– Distribution systems deliver electricity directly to homes, businesses, and other end-users.
– High-voltage power lines are used for long-distance transmission, while low-voltage lines are used for local distribution.
– Transformers are used to step up or step down the voltage of electricity for efficient transmission and safe usage.
– Smart grids use advanced technologies to improve the efficiency, reliability, and sustainability of electricity transmission and distribution.
– Energy efficiency measures aim to reduce the amount of electricity needed for a given task or activity.
– Energy conservation involves using less electricity by changing behaviors and habits.
– Efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, can significantly reduce electricity consumption.
– Insulating buildings and using energy-efficient appliances can help conserve electricity.
– Energy audits can identify opportunities for improving energy efficiency and reducing electricity usage.
– Time-of-use pricing encourages customers to shift electricity usage to off-peak hours when prices are lower.
– Demand response programs incentivize customers to reduce electricity usage during periods of high demand.
– Net metering allows customers with renewable energy systems to sell excess electricity back to the grid.
– Energy efficiency rebates and incentives encourage customers to invest in energy-saving measures.
– Customer education programs provide information and resources to help customers make informed decisions about their electricity usage. Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_utility