### Question
How is the term system cost defined?


### Answer
The term **system cost** is defined in *16 U.S.C. § 839a* as the following:

> an estimate of all direct costs of a measure or resource over its effective life, including, if applicable, the cost of distribution and transmission to the consumer and, among other factors, waste disposal costs, end-of-cycle costs, and fuel costs (including projected increases), and such quantifiable environmental costs and benefits as the Administrator determines, on the basis of a methodology developed by the Council as part of the plan, or in the absence of the plan by the Administrator, are directly attributable to such measure or resource

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 839a*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 12H-PACIFIC NORTHWEST ELECTRIC POWER PLANNING AND CONSERVATION**

