How long does a Balancing Authority have to return the ACE to the required value to avoid a DCS violation?

A Balancing Authority must return the Area Control Error (ACE) to the required value within a specific timeframe to avoid a Disturbance Control Standard (DCS) violation. The correct answer, which states that this period is 15 minutes, aligns with the guidelines set forth in the NERC's Reliability Standards.

The 15-minute timeframe is established to ensure that Balancing Authorities respond promptly to maintain system reliability. This requirement emphasizes the importance of quick corrective actions in the event of disturbances, thus helping to prevent cascading failures and maintain the stability of the electric grid. By adhering to this standard, Balancing Authorities can effectively manage changes in load and generation, thereby maintaining a stable balance between supply and demand.

A longer timeframe like 30, 60, or even 120 minutes does not reflect the urgent nature of responding to ACE deviations, as extensive delays may lead to greater operational issues or violations under the established standards. Therefore, understanding this 15-minute requirement is crucial for anyone operating within a Balancing Authority's jurisdiction to ensure compliance and operational integrity.