What is the consequence of failing to account for inadvertent interchange correctly?

Failing to account for inadvertent interchange correctly can lead to decreased grid reliability. Inadvertent interchange refers to the unintended flow of power between balancing areas that occurs when operators do not accurately track their generation and load balance in relation to their neighbors. If operators are unaware of these unintentional power flows, it can result in discrepancies that disrupt the balance necessary for maintaining a stable and reliable electrical grid.

When the grid experiences imbalances due to the lack of proper accounting for inadvertent interchange, it might lead to scenarios where one area becomes overloaded while another might be underutilized. Such imbalances can cause cascading failures, voltage instability, and overloads on transmission lines, which significantly compromise grid reliability. Ensuring accurate accounting helps operators manage the flow of electricity more effectively and helps maintain the overall stability and reliability of the grid.