Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between electricity generation capacity and electricity generation?

Capacity is a measure of how much electricity a generator can produce under specific conditions. Generation is how much electricity a generator produces over a specific period of time. For example, a generator with 1 MegaWatt (MW) capacity that operates at that capacity consistently for one hour will produce 1 MW-hour (MWh) of electricity. If it operates at only half that capacity for one hour, it will produce 0.5 MWh of electricity. Many generators do not operate at their full capacity all the time; they may vary their output according to conditions at the power plant, fuel costs, and/or as instructed from the electric power grid operator. Net generation is the amount of gross generation less the electricity used by the generating station/power plant to operate the plant, including fuel handling, boiler and cooling water pumps, pollution control equipment, plant lighting, and computers.

Capacity can be specified as the nameplate, summer, or winter capacity.

Installed capacity by primary fuel/energy source and annual generation by fuel type.

Last updated: February 7, 2012