What is the role of the Balancing Authority during system restoration?

The Balancing Authority plays a crucial role in the restoration of the power system after an outage. Its primary responsibility during this process is to monitor, coordinate, and direct the restoration effort. This includes assessing the state of the system, ensuring stability, and managing resources effectively to support a safe and efficient restoration.

During system restoration, the Balancing Authority must coordinate with various entities, including generation resources, transmission operators, and distribution systems, to bring the system back to normal operating conditions. By directing these efforts, the authority ensures that power is restored in a prioritized manner, addressing critical loads first and maintaining system reliability throughout the process.

The role encompasses not just oversight but active management to keep the restoration effort aligned with the operational needs of both the grid and the consumers. This holistic approach is essential, as any misstep could lead to further complications or instability in the power supply.