Baseload unit:

An electricity-generating plant that is normally operated continuously to meet the constant or minimum load on an electric system.


Carbon dioxide (CO2):

A greenhouse gas that is a by-product of combustion (see greenhouse gas).


Circuit (CO2):

A pathway through which electricity moves.


Electric system (CO2):

Physically interconnected generating plants, transmission lines and related equipment.


Gigawatt-Hour (GWh):

One billion watt-hours (see watt-hour).


Greenhouse gas (GHG):

A gaseous component of the atmosphere that traps some of the heat coming from the sun near the Earth’s surface. Greenhouse gases include water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and chlorofluorocarbons.


Kilowatt (kW):

One thousand watts (see watt).


Kilowatt-Hour (kWh):

One thousand watt-hours (see watt-hour).


Megawatt (MW):

One million watts (see watt).


Megawatt-Hour (MWh):

One million watt-hours (see watt-hour).


Nitrogen oxides (NOx):

A by-product of combustion. If not handled properly, NOx can combine with water, oxygen and other chemicals in the atmosphere to create haze and ozone.


Photovoltaic (NOx):

Pertaining to the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity.


Photovoltaic system (NOx):

A complete set of components for converting sunlight into electricity by the photovoltaic process (see photovoltaic).


Renewable energy certificate (RECs):

Renewable energy certificates represent the title to environmental benefits associated with energy produced from a renewable energy generation facility and are sold separately from the electricity commodity. RECs are combined with energy produced by Platte River’s other resources to form a more affordable renewable energy product.


Solar energy (RECs):

The radiant energy of the sun, which can be converted into other forms of energy, such as heat or electricity.


Sulfur dioxide (SO2):

A by-product of combustion. If not handled properly, SO2 can combine with water, oxygen and other chemicals in the atmosphere to create acid rain.


Voltage (SO2):

The force that causes electricity to flow through a circuit (see circuit).


Watt (SO2):

A unit of electric power.


Watt-Hour (SO2):

The amount of energy used in one hour by a device requiring one watt of electricity for operation (see watt).


Wind energy (SO2):

Kinetic energy present in wind motion that can be converted to mechanical energy for driving electric power generators.


Wind turbine (SO2):

Wind energy conversion device that produces electricity – typically three blades rotating about a horizontal axis and positioned up-wind of the supporting tower (see wind energy).