Electricity Generation and Distribution Flashcards
6 cards from real Energy and Utilities practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 6 Electricity Generation and Distribution flashcards as text
What is a smart grid primarily designed to do?
Answer: Use digital technology to improve efficiency and reliability
Smart grids integrate digital communication and automation to optimize electricity delivery and enable two-way energy flow.
Which component protects electrical circuits from overloads in a home panel?
Answer: Circuit breaker
Circuit breakers automatically interrupt current flow when it exceeds safe levels, protecting wiring and devices.
What does 'spinning reserve' mean in grid operations?
Answer: Generators running but not fully loaded, ready to ramp up quickly
Spinning reserve is generation capacity that is synchronized to the grid and can respond within seconds to sudden demand increases.
Which organization sets mandatory reliability standards for the North American bulk power system?
Answer: NERC
The North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) develops and enforces reliability standards for the bulk electric system.
What is the purpose of a substation in the electrical grid?
Answer: To transform, switch, and protect voltage levels between transmission and distribution
Substations contain transformers, switches, and protective equipment to safely transfer power between voltage levels.
What does 'demand response' allow electric utilities to do?
Answer: Incentivize customers to reduce load during peak periods
Demand response programs compensate customers for voluntarily reducing electricity use when grid demand is high.