Centralized generation

Centralized generation, also sometimes called utility-scale generation, describes electric power plants that connect to the transmission grid (also called the bulk electric system). Centralized generation is differentiated from distributed generation, which is connected to the distribution grid.

In developed countries, the bulk of electric generation today is centralized. However, distributed generation is growing rapidly in some regions.

As of 2019, centralized generation made up 95% of U.S. electric generation capacity