ABSTRACT
This chapter “sets the stage” in various ways for the remaining chapters. The chapter begins by presenting several explanations, including (i) what are the two “types” of electric utilities and which one will be assumed in this book, (ii) whose perspective will be taken, and (iii) what aspects of a utility system will be the focus. This chapter then discusses the types of generating units an electric utility is likely to have and how the utility decides to use each type of generator in its daily and annual operations. A hypothetical utility system is then created in which assumptions about electric load and specific generator types are made. This hypothetical utility system will then be used to demonstrate the resource planning processes in the remainder of the book. The chapter concludes by showing how our hypothetical utility system is operated on both a summer peak day and on an annual basis. The first fundamental principle of utility resource planning is also introduced.
