ELECTRIC AND MAGNETIC FIELDS (EMF) -- Invisible force fields that surround the movement of electricity. Everything electrical produces EMF.

ELECTRIC POWER RESEARCH INSTITUTE (EPRI) -- An organization based in Palo Alto, Calif. that uses money from member utilities to fund the research and development of technologies related to the generation, delivery and use of electricity.

EMBEDDED COST -- The fixed cost of all facilities in the power supply system, including generating plants, substations and distribution lines.

ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT OF 1973 -- Most recently amended in 1988, establishes a national program for the conservation of threatened and endangered species of fish, wildlife and plants and the preservation of the ecosystems on which they depend. Section 7(a) of the ESA requires federal agencies to consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and NMFS to ensure that actions they take are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of endangered or threatened species or damage their habitat. Section 7(c) of the ESA requires that federal agencies prepare biological assessments of the potential effects of major construction actions on listed or proposed endangered species and critical habitat.

ENERGY SERVICES COMPANY (ESCO) -- A company that provides energy services to customers. These services might include conservation programs, two-way metering systems, or energy management services.

FEDERAL ENERGY REGULATORY COMMISSION (FERC) -- An independent regulatory agency within the U.S. Department of Energy. Regulates power projects on navigable waters and the transmission and sale of electricity in interstate commerce.

FIRM ENERGY -- The amount of energy that can be generated given the region's worst historical water conditions. It is energy produced on a guaranteed basis.

FISH AND WILDLIFE COORDINATION ACT OF 1934 -- Directs that conservation of fish and wildlife resources be given equal consideration with the other aspects of water resources development projects. It requires evaluation of potential damage to fish and wildlife that may result from proposing habitat alteration. Anyone proposing to impound, control or modify any water body must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That agency prepares a report, which includes comments from state and federal agencies, such as NMFS, that addresses fish and wildlife concerns and recommends mitigation for impacts.

FISH LADDERS -- A series of ascending pools constructed to enable salmon or other fish to swim upstream around or over a dam.

FISH PASSAGE FACILITIES -- Features of a dam that enable fish to move around, through, or over without harm. Generally an upstream fish ladder or a downstream bypass system.

FIXED COST -- Costs of generation projects incurred regardless of the amount of energy produced. Such costs normally include capital costs, the cost of financing construction (in the form of interest) and insurance.

FLOOD CONTROL RULE CURVE -- A curve, or family of curves, indicating reservoir drawdown required to control floods. (Also called Mandatory Rule Curve or Upper Rule Curve.)

FLOW -- The volume of water passing a given point per unit of time.

FLOW AUGMENTATION -- Water from a storage reservoir added to enhance flow, particularly to aid fish migration.

(A-B)  (B-C)  (C-E)  (E-G)  (G-M)  (M-O)  (O-P)   (P-S)  (S-W)