BGE Energy Generation & Distribution 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'spinning reserve' mean in the context of BGE's grid operations?
- Generators that are off but can start within 10 minutes
- Online generators running below full capacity ready to increase output instantly (Correct answer)
- Rotating equipment used in transformer cooling
- Reserve fuel stored at natural gas peaker plants
Correct answer: Online generators running below full capacity ready to increase output instantly
Spinning reserve refers to capacity from already-running generators that can be ramped up immediately to cover sudden load increases or generator failures.
Question 2: BGE's underground distribution cables are most commonly insulated with which material?
- Paper and oil
- Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE) (Correct answer)
- Glass fiber
- Ceramic composite
Correct answer: Cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE)
Modern underground distribution cables in BGE's network use cross-linked polyethylene insulation for durability and moisture resistance.
Question 3: What function does a capacitor bank serve on BGE's distribution feeder?
- It stores backup power for outages
- It improves power factor and reduces reactive power losses on the line (Correct answer)
- It converts DC solar power to AC
- It controls feeder switching during faults
Correct answer: It improves power factor and reduces reactive power losses on the line
Capacitor banks supply reactive power locally, correcting power factor and reducing line losses on distribution feeders.
Question 4: Which measurement unit does BGE use when reporting annual electricity sales to large commercial customers?
- Watts (W)
- Kilovolt-amperes (kVA)
- Megawatt-hours (MWh) (Correct answer)
- Joules (J)
Correct answer: Megawatt-hours (MWh)
Megawatt-hours (MWh) measure energy consumed over time and are standard for billing large commercial and industrial accounts.
Question 5: In BGE's territory, which entity sets the retail electricity distribution rates that BGE charges customers?
- PJM Interconnection
- The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC) (Correct answer)
- The U.S. Department of Energy
- BGE's parent company Exelon
Correct answer: The Maryland Public Service Commission (PSC)
The Maryland Public Service Commission regulates BGE's distribution rates through formal rate case proceedings.
Question 6: What is the purpose of automatic reclosers on BGE's overhead distribution lines?
- To automatically balance load between parallel feeders
- To briefly interrupt and reclose the circuit to clear temporary faults without a sustained outage (Correct answer)
- To disconnect the feeder when voltage sags below threshold
- To prevent back-feed from customer solar installations
Correct answer: To briefly interrupt and reclose the circuit to clear temporary faults without a sustained outage
Reclosers interrupt the circuit for a brief period after a fault; if the fault was temporary (like a tree branch), the line restores automatically.
Question 7: When BGE energizes a new residential subdivision, what is the typical final step-down voltage delivered to each home?
- 240/120 volts split-phase (Correct answer)
- 208 volts three-phase
- 480 volts
- 277 volts
Correct answer: 240/120 volts split-phase
Residential service in the U.S. is delivered as 240/120V split-phase, providing both 120V for outlets and 240V for large appliances.
BGE Energy Generation & Distribution 3
What does 'spinning reserve' mean in the context of BGE's grid operations?