Duke Energy

Common Industry Terms

Business-speak, common terminology... every industry has them, and the energy sector is no different. Understanding some common energy terms can help you ask your business prospects the appropriate questions and ensure you’re getting them the right answers when it comes to obtaining electric service.

• Amps (or Amperage)
  Amps (or Amperage) The measure of current or flow of electrons along a conductor, wire or cable.
• Volts (or Voltage)
  Volts (or Voltage) The potential of an electron to do work; used in sizing the delivery system. Typical voltages for manufacturing operations are 240 volts, 480 volts, 600 volts, 2,300 volts or 4,160 volts.
• Hours Use
  Hours Use (kWh/kW) Reflects the hours of operation of a business (24/7 or 16/5, etc.)
• Three-phase Power
  Three-phase Power Three-phrase power is commonly used for generation, transmission and distribution of electric power−in which the waveforms of three supply conductors are out of phase by one-third, or 120 degrees. Three-phase power is the most economical way to provide larger quantities of power−often to major equipment.
• Single-phase Power
  Single-phase Power Single-phase power is either a single alternating voltage or all voltages of the supply varying in unison. Single-phase is used for loads that are primarily lighting and heating, such as homes and small businesses.
• kWh Consumption
  kWh Consumption (kilowatt-hours) Electric energy consumed over time, used to calculate actual monthly bills.
• kW Demand
  kW Demand (kilowatt, or 1,000 watts) Average rate of energy consumption during specified time period (usually 15- or 30- minute intervals). Large-plant demand may be measured in megawatts (MW, or 1,000,000 watts). kW demand is used in billing and cost calculations.
• kVA
  kVA (kilovolt-amperes) Measurement of total maximum power required; used to size utility infrastructure (transformers).
• Power Factor
  Power Factor (p.f.) Ratio of actual power used (kW demand) to total power required (kVA). PF = kW demand/kVA. Customers may be required to meet minimum p.f. requirements to prevent impact to others on the system.
• Load Factor
  Load Factor (LF) Ratio of average energy demand (load) to the maximum demand (peak load). LF typically calculated: actual KWh used/(peak demand X days in month X 24 hours).