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Glossary of Terms

Not familiar with a term?  We've got you covered!

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #

L

Lambda

The measure of the rate at which fuel is consumed relative to electric output, expressed in Btu’s per kWh. It is often referred to as the incremental cost of power. 

Landfill Gas

Gas produced by aerobic and anaerobic decomposition of a landfill generally composed of approximately 55% methane and 45% carbon dioxide, sometimes refined with membrane methods to eliminate the carbon dioxide. 

Lateral

A pipe in a gas distribution or transmission system which branches away from the central and primary part of the system. 

Laying Mains

The complete operation of installing piping systems in towns or cities including trenching, joining sections of pipe, placing pipe in trenches, back-filling trenches, and cleaning up. 

LDC

A local distribution company, which is a utility that obtains the major part of its income from a retail distribution system for the delivery of natural gas or electricity to end-users. 

Line Pack, Gas Delivered From

That quantity of gas delivered to the markets supplied by the net change in pressure in the regular system of mains, transmission, and/or distribution. For example, the change in the content of a pipeline brought about by the deviation from steady flow condition. 

Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)

Natural gas which has been liquefied by reducing its temperature to minus 260 degrees Fahrenheit at atmospheric pressure. It remains a liquid at -116 degrees Fahrenheit and 673 psig. In volume, it occupies 1/600 of that of the vapor at standard conditions. 

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG)

A gas containing certain specific hydrocarbons which are gaseous under normal atmospheric conditions, but can be liquefied under moderate pressure at normal temperatures. Propane and butane are the principal examples.  

Liquids, Natural Gas

Those liquid hydrocarbon mixtures which are gaseous at reservoir temperatures and pressures but are recoverable by condensation or absorption. Natural gasoline and liquefied petroleum gases fall in this category. 

Loss of Load Probability

A measure of the expectation that system demand will exceed system capacity during a given period; usually expressed as a number of days per year or longer period. 

Lost Revenues

Revenues not collected by a utility due to the loss of sales as a direct result of DSM programs.

Low Income Funding Fee

The Low Income Funding Fee is used to fund the Black Hills Energy Assistance Program (BHEAP) and is assessed to all Colorado gas and electric sales customers, including program participants. BHEAP Funding Fee will be collected over Funding Cycles which will run from July 1 through June 30 of each year.

Note:

  • Gas transportation are exempt from paying the fee.
  • The Large Power Rate Schedule’s funding fee will be calculated monthly at the rate of $0.0004/kWh of usage.
  • Black Hills Energy will post the program application to its website, at www.blackhillsenergy.com, and continue to share updates with local charities and energy assistance agencies.
  • For more information on the filings, see the program rules established in Gas Tariff Sheet Nos. 69-69.6 or Electric Tariff Sheet Nos. R65-R74 on file with the Colo. Public Utilities Commission.
LP Gas--Air Mixtures

Liquefied petroleum gases distributed at relatively low pressures and normal atmospheric temperatures which have been diluted with air to produce desired heating value and utilization characteristics.

Did You Know?

Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. Typically, 44 percent of your energy bill goes for heating and cooling. Reducing use here saves you money on your utility bill.

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7001 Mount Rushmore Road Rapid City, SD 57702

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