Abstract: In one embodiment, power gathering system (PGS) circuits are connected as an electrical overlay system to a distribution substation of a conventional electric-power generation, transmission, and distribution system. Combined heat and power (CHP) generators generate (i) electric power provided to the PGS circuits and (ii) thermal energy provided to co-located thermal host facilities that also receive electric power from the PGS circuits. The CHP generators convert excess thermal energy not used by the thermal host facilities into additional electric power provided to PGS circuits. As the amount of thermal energy used by the thermal host facilities varies over time, the amount of additional electric power generated by CHP generators is inversely varied. In this way, the primary electric-power generators (e.g., gas turbine generators) of the CHP generators can be operated economically at optimal levels independent of the thermal energy demand of the thermal host facilities.