← All glossary terms

Cooling and Water

Approach temperature

Approach temperature is the difference between leaving fluid temperature and the relevant ambient or cooling medium temperature. It helps describe cooling tower, heat exchanger, and chiller performance but needs equipment-specific context.

Explore more terms

Categorical exclusion

Categorical exclusion is a category of federal action that normally does not require detailed NEPA analysis because significant environmental effects are not expected. Extraordinary circumstances can still prevent its use.

Read definition →

RTO

Regional Transmission Organization is a FERC-recognized grid operator with regional planning and market functions. In practice, users often discuss ISOs and RTOs together because both can shape interconnection, LMP, capacity, and transmission-charge exposure.

Read definition →

Availability

Availability is the percentage of time a service or system is operational under defined measurement rules. Headline availability is less useful than knowing the measurement point, exclusions, maintenance windows, and remedy.

Read definition →