Small scale power generating technologies, such as gas turbines, small hydro turbines, 9 [. R8 {8 u' L1 I2 T6 n" Jphotovoltaics, wind turbines and fuel cells, are gradually replacing conventional0 p2 l, o6 l' x- E, V" w$ E
generating technologies in various applications, in the electric power4 a4 A# V+ E' t9 k1 `8 X. u8 u
system. These distributed technologies have many benefits, such as high fuel6 _' `, I: Q# h% b" @' |$ B- b" b
efficiency, short construction lead time, modular installation, and low capital" g4 P$ ^1 n, c% a; O {
expense, which all contribute to their growing popularity. The prospect of independent2 u! v% X% i; n9 b
ownership for distributed and other new generators, as encouraged $ g1 T u7 }& k+ T- k! \/ J, f1 ^, Yby the current deregulation of the generation sector, further broadens their1 I" ]( q1 K) s3 x2 o# g5 P- \* k
appeal. In addition, the industry restructuring process is moving the power S% g( h6 w; ^! Psector in general away from the traditional vertical integration and cost-based/ _, @/ g: ^( a& e: s, |* b% V
regulation and toward increased exposure to market forces. Competitive structures, F0 j% L, Z& w- y/ |" P T3 {
for generation and alternative regulatory structures for transmission and H9 T2 {+ ?$ C" Z- b9 z" {distribution are emerging from this restructuring process.