In contrast to traditional central power generation from a local utility, CHP systems are located on or near the user’s facility and satisfy all or part of its electricity requirements.  Conventional power generation converts on average only about a third of its fuel’s potential energy into electricity, throwing off substantial heat during the process.  The CHP system captures this wasted heat, achieving total system efficiencies of 75% to 85% and turning it into usable thermal energy for hot water, sterilization, space heating, cooling, even dehumidification.  It does this more efficiently, economically, reliably and with less harm to the environment than centralized, dedicated electric production.