Question: Explain the basic difference between base load and peak load power plants?
Answer: Base load power plant powers the continuous electrical load which occurs throughout the day. A peak load power plant runs to meet the electrical demand during the peak hours.
Difference between Base load and Peak
Baseload is the normal load which continuously occurs throughout the day. While the term peak load refers to the peak hours when the demand for electricity increases above the base load.
An example at your home
Through the day 2 led’s and 2 fans are consuming 300 watts/hour. This 300 watts/hr comprise the base load at your home.
In evening you switched on the iron, clothes dryer, for 1 hour which consumed 800 watts. This 1100 watt for 1-hour is technically termed as peak load.