base load

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. the constant or permanent load on a power supply.

base load

noun

1. the more or less constant part of the total load on an electrical power-supply system Compare peak load

Word History and Origins

Origin of base load¹

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

To support base load power demand during spikes and ease the grid's reliance on hydro, China has accelerated approval of new coal mines and coal-fired power plants, which could make it harder for Beijing to achieve its carbon-reduction goals.

From Reuters

UAE Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazrouei, speaking on the same panel, agreed that "for a very long time, gas will be there" and that while more renewable energy would be installed, more investment was needed in gas as a base load.

From Reuters

Mehmet Dogan, Managing Director at GazDay Energy Consultancy, said Turkey could not meet its base load solely through solar and wind energy.

From Reuters

Jensen, the challenger in Minnesota's governor's race, has said he plans to appoint experts in "base load power" — an industry-friendly euphemism for coal power — to the state Public Utilities Commission and the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

From Salon

"The energy market has been hit by a perfect storm of rising demand, a reduction in output from coal fired base load generation plus record high coal and gas prices," says Justin Smirk, a senior economist at Westpac.

From Reuters