# spark spread

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/spark-spread
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

The difference between the cost of the fuel required to produce a unit of electricity, and the price of that same unit of electricity.

## Examples

- The spark spread affects how much profit a power plant makes.
- When natural gas prices dropped, the spark spread improved and electricity became cheaper to produce.
- Analysts watched the spark spread closely, knowing that even a small shift in fuel costs could determine whether the aging plant would operate at a profit or shut down for the season.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.