Ampere
The unit of measurement of electrical current produced in a circuit by 1 volt acting through a resistance of 1 ohm.

Ash 
Impurities consisting of silica, iron, alumina, and other noncombustible matter that are contained in coal. 
Barrel: A volumetric unit of measure for crude oil and petroleum products equivalent to 42 U.S. gallons. 
Base Bill: A charge calculated through multiplication of the rate from the appropriate electric rate schedule by the level of consumption. 

Baseload 
The minimum amount of electric power delivered or required over a given period of time at a steady rate.
Baseload Capacity: The generating equipment normally operated to serve loads on an around-the-clock basis. 

Baseload Plant
A plant, usually housing high-efficiency steam-electric units, which is normally operated to take all or part of the minimum load of a system, and which consequently produces electricity at an essentially constant rate and runs continuously. These units are operated to maximize system mechanical and thermal efficiency and minimize system operating costs. 

Bituminous Coal
The most common coal. It is dense and black (often with well-defined bands of bright and dull material). Its moisture content usually is less than 20 percent. It is used for generating electricity, making coke, and space heating. 

Boiler
A device for generating steam for power, processing, or heating purposes or for producing hot water for heating purposes or hot water supply. Heat from an external combustion source is transmitted to a fluid contained within the tubes in the boiler shell. This fluid is delivered to an end-use at a desired pressure, temperature, and quality. Btu (British Thermal Unit): A standard unit for measuring the quantity of heat energy equal to the quantity of heat required to raise the temperature of 1 pound of water by 1 degree Fahrenheit.