Measurement · Definition
Megawatt (MW)
A unit of power equal to one million watts, used to describe the instantaneous output, demand, or rated capacity of electric equipment.
In plain languageA unit of power equal to one million watts, used to describe the instantaneous output, demand, or rated capacity of electric equipment.
- Category
- Measurement
- Primary reference
- U.S. Energy Information Administration
Why it matters
How this term helps you read grid data
Megawatts measure a rate. They answer how much power is available or being used at a moment, not how much energy accumulated over time.
Example
Megawatt (MW) in practice
A generator operating at 250 MW for two hours produces 500 MWh of electricity.
Reference
Check the primary source
US Grid Explorer paraphrases agency terminology for clarity. Consult the agency reference for formal definitions and current regulatory usage.
U.S. Energy Information Administration →