Term

Definition

Biomass

Combustible solid, liquid or gas that is derived from biological processes. Examples are trees, sewer gas, and yard clippings.

CEC

California Energy Commission

CO

Carbon Monoxide, a dangerous, colorless gas that is regulated.

CO2

Carbon Dioxide, a non-hazardous product of combustion that is thought to be a contributor to global climate change.

CPUC

California Public Utilities Commission

Distribution line

Power line that distributes electricity in cities.

Energy

The capability of doing work. Measured in Megawatt-hours.

Geothermal

Relating to heat energy derived from the earth.

Hydroelectric

Relating to electricity derived from flowing water.

GW

Gigawatt. A unit of power equal to a thousand MW.

GWh

Gigawatt-hour. A unit of energy equal to one thousand Megawatt-hours.

kWh

Kilowatt-hour. A unit of energy worth about 12 to 15 cents.

MW

Megawatt. A unit of power. A thousand kilowatts or a million watts.

MWh

Megawatt-hour. A thousand kilowatt-hours.

Nameplate rating

The maximum power capacity of a generator as described on a plate affixed to the generator by the manufacturer.

NOx

Various nitrogen oxide gases that are precursors of smog.

Photovoltaic

A process to convert light into electrical energy within a silicon chip.

Power

The rate at which energy is used. Measured in Megawatts.

PV Photovoltaic

PV is often used to represent a photovoltaic solar cell.

RPS

Renewable portfolio standard. A regulation that requires investor owned utilities to supply a certain amount of electricity derived from renewable sources in the electricity they sell by a certain date. The California objective is 20% renewable energy by 2017.

San Diego Renewable Energy Group  

The people who voluntarily collaborated to produce this report.

SCERP

Southwest Consortium for the Environmental Research and Policy

SDREO

San Diego Regional Energy Office, a nonprofit educational office.

Transmission line

A high-voltage power line used to transport electricity long distances.

SDSU

San Diego State University

SDG&E

San Diego Gas & Electric, the local investor owned gas and electric utility.

SOx

Various sulfur oxide gases. Can be hazardous to health. Generally associated with burning coal.

UABC

Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, located in Mexicali.