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Utility Rates, Grid, and Markets

Interruptible service

Interruptible service allows a utility or grid operator to curtail some customer load under defined conditions, often in exchange for lower rates or credits. It can be valuable for flexible load but is difficult for critical IT load unless paired with backup generation, load shifting, or non-critical processes.

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Automatic transfer switch

Automatic transfer switch transfers load between normal and alternate sources, commonly utility and generator sources. Transfer timing, testing, bypass, maintenance, and control sequence are important for uptime-sensitive facilities.

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Single-phase power

Single-phase power is AC power delivered through one alternating voltage waveform. It is common for smaller loads and support equipment, but large data center service is normally planned around three-phase systems.

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N

N is the base amount of capacity or equipment needed to support the design load. Redundancy expressions like N+1 and 2N only make sense after defining the load, component boundary, operating mode, and failure scenario.

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