Baseload vs. peaker plant

A base load plant is designed to run continuously at an essentially constant output, covering a system's minimum, around-the-clock demand as efficiently as possible. A peaker plant (peaking capacity) is generating equipment normally reserved for operation only during the hours of highest demand, and is built for the ability to start up quickly rather than for continuous efficiency. The two sit at opposite ends of how a generation fleet is typically organized to meet demand that varies throughout the day.