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Most generation on the system comes from coal, natural gas, and hydroelectric resources.

Base-load generators, like coal and nuclear units, maintain relatively steady output. Flexible generators, like natural gas and hydroelectric units, can have varying output because they respond to fluctuations from Variable-Energy Resources (VER), changes in consumer demand, and other conditions.

Variation in how units operate is reflected in their capacity factors. Capacity factors (average generation divided by average capacity) vary depending on the type of generator. Coal and nuclear units have a high capacity factor, while generation from wind and solar units is limited by weather conditions and the amount of sunlight. Capacity factors for gas and hydro vary, since they can be used for reserves due to their ability to quickly respond to system needs.