Power generation is measured in watt-hours, which is an electrical energy unit of measure equal to one watt of power supplied to, or taken from, an electrical circuit steadily for one hour. The power-generation values also are collected for quality assurance. Individual facilities also are an important source of information. Individual thermoelectric power generating facilities are frequently owned or managed by large utility companies. These major utilities usually handle the required environmental paperwork making them a logical first step in obtaining water-use information.
Power is bought and sold between power plants in the pool.
The PCS database contains descriptive information on major power generating facilities, their location, and monthly return flows. The information is available as hardcopy EIA Form 759. If there is a State Agency regulating withdrawals, they probably receive reported withdrawals from the power plants. DMRs contain volume discharged from all pipes in the facility, and when compared to the permit or permit application will correlate to the source of the water and how it was used. Since thermoelectric plants tend to be major water users, data generally are metered and are available from at least two federal agencies, one or more State agencies, from the power utility, and from individual power plants.