What is the consequence of a Balancing Authority having a portion of its EMS down?

The consequence of a Balancing Authority having a portion of its Energy Management System (EMS) down relates to its obligations to maintain operational reliability. When a Balancing Authority cannot calculate its Area Control Error (ACE) for an extended period, specifically for 30 minutes, it is required to notify its Reliability Coordinator.

This notification is critical, as ACE serves as an important indicator of the balance between generation and load in a power system. If it cannot be calculated, it raises significant reliability concerns that could affect not only the Balancing Authority in question but also the broader interconnection and reliability of the grid. By informing the Reliability Coordinator, the Balancing Authority ensures that appropriate measures can be taken to mitigate potential reliability issues and coordinate any necessary actions among neighboring entities.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the operational protocols or reliability standards set forth. The Balancing Authority cannot operate indefinitely without addressing the issue — robust communication is vital in grid management, especially when dealing with potential disturbances or failures in critical systems.