Elasticity of DemandThe ratio of the percentage change in the quantity of a good or service demanded to the percentage change in the price.
Electric and magnetic field (EMF)(EMF)Electric and magnetic fields are generated when charged particles (e.g., electrons) are accelerated. Charged particles in motion produce magnetic fields.
Electric CircuitThe path followed by electrons from a generation source, through an electrical system, and returning to the source.
Electric EnergyThe amount of work accomplished by electrical power, usually measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). One kWh is 1,000 Watts and is equal to 3,413 Btu.
Electric FurnaceAn air heater in which air is blown over electric resistance heating coils.
Electric GridAn interconnected system that maintains an instantaneous balance between supply and demand (generation and load) while moving electricity from generation…
Electric RateThe unit price and quantity to which it applies as specified in a rate schedule or contract.
Electric Rate ScheduleA statement of the electric rate(s), terms, and conditions for electricity sale or supply.
Electric Resistance HeatingA type of heating system where heat, resulting when electric current flows through an "element" or conductor, such as Nichrome, which has a high…
Electric SystemThe physically connected generation, transmission, and distribution facilities and components operated as a unit.
Electric System Loss(es)The total amount of electric energy loss in an electric system between the generation source and points of delivery.
Electric utilitiesAll enterprises engaged in the production and/or distribution of electricity for use by the public, including investor-owned electric utility companies…
Electric UtilityA corporation, person, agency, authority or other legal entity that owns and/or operates facilities for the generation, transmission, distribution or sale…
Electrical LoadThe amount of electrical demand on a particular circuit or of a particular use or facility.
Electrical SystemAll the conductors and electricity using devices that are connected to a source of electromotive force (or generator).
Electrical System Energy LossesA measure of the amount of energy lost during the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.
ElectricityElectric current used as a power source. Electricity can be produced from a variety of feedstocks, including oil, coal, nuclear, hydro, natural gas, wind…
Electricity GenerationThe process of producing electricity by transforming other forms or sources of energy into electrical energy; measured in kilowatt-hours.
Electricity GridA common term referring to an electricity transmission and distribution system.
Electricity Industry RestructuringThe process of changing the structure of the electric power industry from one of guaranteed monopoly over service territories, as established by the…
Electrochemical CellA device containing two conducting electrodes, one positive and the other negative, made of dissimilar materials (usually metals) that are immersed in a…
Electrode(ee-LEK-trode) In medicine, a device such as a small metal plate or needle that carries electricity from an instrument to a patient for treatment or…
ElectrodepositionElectrolytic process in which a metal is deposited at the cathode from a solution of its ions.
ElectrolysisA chemical change in a substance that results from the passage of an electric current through an electrolyte.
Electrolyte(ee-LEK-troh-lite) A substance that breaks up into ions (electrically charged particles) when it is dissolved in body fluids or water.
Electrolytes (battery)A nonmetallic (liquid or solid) conductor that carries current by the movement of ions (instead of electrons) with the liberation of matter at the…
Electromagnetic EnergyEnergy generated from an electromagnetic field produced by an electric current flowing through a superconducting wire kept at a specific low temperature.
Electromagnetic Field (EMF)(EMF)The electrical and magnetic fields created by the presence or flow of electricity in an electrical conductor or electricity consuming appliance or motor.
Electromotive ForceThe amount of energy derived from an electrical source per unit quantity of electricity passing through the source.
ElectronA sub-atomic particle that has a negative electric charge.
Electron VoltThe amount of kinetic energy gained by an electron when accelerated through an electric potential difference of 1 Volt; equivalent to 1.
Electronic BallastA device that uses electronic components to regulate the voltage of fluorescent lamps.
Electronic trading platformAn electronic system matching bids (to buy) and offers (to sell), increasingly employed in many venues (Nymex, ICE, voice brokers, index-forming…
Electrostatic PrecipitatorA device used to remove particulate matter from the waste gasses of a combustion power plant.
elemental analysisThe determination of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur, chlorine, and ash in a sample. See ultimate analysis.
Ellipsoidal Reflector LampA lamp where the light beam is focused 2 inches ahead of the lamp reducing the amount of light trapped in the fixture.
EmbryotoxicityAdverse effects on the embryo due to a substance that enters the maternal system and crosses the placental barrier.
EmergentAquatic plants having some or most of the leaf area extending out of the water.
Emergent wetlandsThe Emergent wetland class is characterized by erect, rooted, herbaceous hydrophytes, excluding mosses and lichens.
Eminent DomainWhen a government takes private property for public use. The owner receives payment for its fair market value.
Emission Control TechnologiesEquipment used in diesel-powered vehicles to reduce exhaust emissions, such as particulate matter and nitrogen oxides.
Emission FactorA measure of the average amount of a specified pollutant or material emitted for a specific type of fuel or process.
Emission offsetA reduction in the air pollution emissions of existing sources to compensate for emissions from new sources.
Emission(s)A substance(s) or pollutant emitted as a result of a process.
EmissionsWaste substances released into the air or water.
EmissivityThe ratio of the radiant energy (heat) leaving (being emitted by) a surface to that of a black body at the same temperature and with the same area…
EnclosureThat portion of an elevated building below the lowest elevated floor that is either partially or fully shut-in by rigid walls.
End UseA classification system for U.S. exported and imported merchandise based on principal use rather than the physical characteristics of the merchandise.
EndangeredSpecies that are in danger of extinction. It also is a category that denotes protection under federal law (Endangered Species Act).
Endangered speciesA plant or animal species in immediate danger of extinction because its population number has reached a critical level, or its habitat has been…
Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA)(ESA)Requires consultation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or the National Marine Fisheries Service to determine whether endangered or threatened…
EndemicWhere disease occurs on a consistent basis.
EndothermicA heat absorbing reaction or a reaction that requires heat.
Energize(d)To send electricity through a electricity transmission and distribution network; a conductor or power line that is carrying current.
EnergyThe capability of doing work; different forms of energy can be converted to other forms, but the total amount of energy remains the same.
Energy AuditA survey that shows how much energy you use in your house or apartment. It will help you find ways to use less energy.
Energy ChargeThat part of an electricity bill that is based on the amount of electrical energy consumed or supplied.
energy cropA crop grown specifically for its fuel value. These include food crops such as corn and sugar cane, and nonfood crops such as poplar trees and switchgrass.
Energy CropsCrops grown specifically for their fuel value. These include food crops such as corn and sugarcane, and nonfood crops such as poplar trees and switchgrass.
Energy DensityThe amount of energy per unit volume. The energy density affects, and is affected by, the expansion or contraction of the universe.
Energy EfficiencyUsing less energy to achieve the same outcome. For example, better insulation would enable a home to stay warm utilizing less energy.
Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER)(EER)The measure of the instantaneous energy efficiency of room air conditioners; the cooling capacity in Btu/hr divided by the watts of power consumed at a…
Energy Efficient MortgagesA type of home mortgage that takes into account the energy savings of a home that has cost-effective energy saving improvements that will reduce energy…
Energy End-Use SectorsMajor energy consuming sectors of the economy. The Commercial Sector includes commercial buildings and private companies.
Energy Facility Siting Council (EFSC)(EFSC)In Oregon, a seven-member council that coordinates and approves siting for most large power plants, transmission lines and pipelines.
Energy Factor (EF)(EF)The measure of overall efficiency for a variety of appliances. For water heaters, the energy factor is based on three factors: 1) the recovery efficiency…
Energy Guide LabelsThe labels placed on appliances to enable consumers to compare appliance energy efficiency and energy consumption under specified test conditions as…
Energy IntensityThe relative extent that energy is required for a process.
Energy Policy Act of 1992Passed by Congress to enhance U.S. energy security by requiring federal, state, and alternative fuel provider fleets to implement petroleum-reduction…
Energy Policy Act of 1992 (EPAct)A comprehensive legislative package that mandates and encourages energy efficiency standards, alternative fuel use, and the development of renewable…
Energy Security Act of 1980Legislation authorizing a U.S. biomass and alcohol fuel program, and that authorized loan guarantees and price guarantees and purchase agreements for…
Energy Service Company (ESCO)(ESCO)A company that specializes in undertaking energy efficiency measures under a contractual arrangement whereby the ESCO shares the value of energy savings…
Energy StorageThe process of storing, or converting energy from one form to another, for later use; storage devices and systems include batteries, conventional and…
EnthalpyA thermodynamic property of a substance, defined as the sum of its internal energy plus the pressure of the substance times its volume, divided by the…
Entrained Bed GasifierA gasifier in which the feedstock (fuel) is suspended by the movement of gas to move it through the gasifier.
EntrainmentThe incorporation of fish, eggs, larvae, and other plankton with intake water flow entering and passing through a cooling water intake structure and into…
EntropyA measure of the unavailable or unusable energy in a system; energy that cannot be converted to another form.
EntryAn application to acquire title to public lands.
EnvironmentAll the natural and living things around us. The earth, air, weather, plants, and animals all make up our environment.
Environmental Assessment (EA)(EA)A public document that analyzes a proposed federal action for the possibility of significant environmental impacts.
Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)(EIS)A comprehensive study of likely environmental impacts resulting from major federally-assisted projects; statements are required by the National…
Environmental JusticeIs based on the principle that all people have a right to be protected from environmental pollution and to live in and enjoy a clean and healthful…
Environmental mediaSoil, water, air, biota, or any other parts of the environment that can contain contaminants.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)(EPA)Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was established as an independent agency on December 2, 1970 during President Nixon's term in office.
Environmental Resource Inventory (ERI)(ERI)A listing and description of natural resources and general environmental characteristics of a given geographic area.
Enzymatic hydrolysisA process by which enzymes (biological catalysts) are used to break down starch or cellulose into sugar.
enzymeA protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body.
EolianRefers to the processes of wind erosion, transport, and deposition. For example, sand dunes are landforms produced by eolian processes in arid…
EP ToxicityA test defined by the federal Environmental Protection Agency to check a substance for the presence of arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury…
Ephemeral allotmentA BLM grazing allotment in areas of the Hot Desert Biome (Region) that do not consistently produce enough forage to sustain a livestock operation, but…