Defined term
Power factor
Power factor is the ratio of real power in kilowatts to apparent power in kilovolt-amperes for a given load and time.
grid · Concept code GS-CONCEPT-192 · Last verified August 28, 2026
Evidence through 2023-08-29 · 1 source has no source-event date
Content modified 2026-08-28
Definition and decision context
Definition
Power factor is the ratio of real power in kilowatts to apparent power in kilovolt-amperes for a given load and time.
Applicable jurisdiction: US
Verified August 28, 2026
Why it matters
SDG&E Rule 21 documents a fixed-power-factor default and a site process for smart-inverter settings, without supplying a general correction recommendation.
Applicable jurisdiction: US-CA
Verified August 28, 2026
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Primary sources
- U.S. Energy Information Administration: EIA Glossary — Power factor
Source event date unavailable · Ontology accessed August 28, 2026 · Ontology verified August 28, 2026
- San Diego Gas & Electric: SDG&E Electric Rule 21 § Hh and Table Hh-4, Sheets 131 and 143, Advice Letters 37620-E/37631-E and AL4280-E, effective 2023-08-29
Revision 37620-E/37631-E; AL4280-E · Source event as of August 29, 2023 · Ontology accessed August 28, 2026 · Ontology verified August 28, 2026