A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Ballast - A device that provides starting voltage and limits the current during normal operation in electrical discharge lamps (i.e., florescent lamps).

Base Load - Lowest level of power production during a given season or specified time frame.

Base Load Unit - A power generating facility that runs constantly at near capacity level.

Base Rate - Amount of the total electric or gas rate covering the general expense of business without the fuel expense.

Boiler - A closed container or vessel in which water is converted to pressurized steam.

Branded Product - A refined petroleum product sold by a refiner with the understanding that the purchaser has the right to resell the product under a trademark, trade name, service mark, or other identifying symbol or names owned by such refiner.

Brownout - Controlled reduction of power by utility in which it decreases the voltage on the power lines. Brownouts are initiated when total power demand exceeds maximum power supply.

Btu - British Thermal Unit (Btu) is the standard unit of measure of heat energy. It takes one Btu to increase the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. One Btu is equivalent to 252 calories and 0.293 watt-hours.

Building Envelope - Exterior building partitions that enclose 'conditioned' areas or space.

Bulk Power Supply - Also known as wholesale power supply. Either refers to an aggregate of electric generating plants, transmission lines, and associated equipment. May refer to facilities of one electric utility or a group in which transmission lines are interconnected.