What does the Balancing Authority need to do when it is unable to start generators due to fuel shortages?

When a Balancing Authority faces a situation where it cannot start generators due to fuel shortages, it is crucial for it to notify its Reliability Coordinator. The Reliability Coordinator plays a significant role in overseeing the reliability of the electric grid in the area. They are responsible for monitoring the system's overall health and can provide assistance, guidance, and coordination among different entities. By notifying the Reliability Coordinator, the Balancing Authority ensures that any necessary actions can be taken to mitigate the impact of the generator downtime, such as redistributing loads or coordinating with neighboring Balancing Authorities to maintain system reliability.

This communication is essential to maintaining the stability of the grid and avoiding potential cascading failures that can arise from a lack of timely information and coordination among operators. Other options, such as evaluating shipment delays, shutting down all operations, or requesting emergency funding, may be part of the Balancing Authority's broader response strategy, but the immediate priority must be to inform the Reliability Coordinator about the fuel shortage to facilitate a coordinated response.