5.4.2 Supply and Demand
The supply and demand situation for electrical energy is much different from other products which are produced by an organization and ,then later, sold to consumers. Electrical energy must be supplied at the same time that it is demanded by consumers. There is no simple storage system which may be used to supply additional electrical energy at peak demand times. This situation is quite unique and necessitates the production of sufficient quantities of electrical energy to meet the demand of the consumers at any time. Accurate forecasting of load requirements at various given times must be maintained by utilities companies in order that they may recommend the necessary power plant output for a particular time of the year, week, or day.
5.4.3 Plant Load and Capacity Factors
There is a significant variation in the load requirement that must be met at different times. Thus ,the power plant generating capacity is subject to a continual change. For the above reasons, much of the generating capacity of a power plant may be idle during low demand times. This means that not all the generators at the plant will be in operation.
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