What should Balancing Authority A's AGC be doing if it detects a frequency of 59.95 Hz with a positive Net Actual Interchange?

When Balancing Authority A detects a frequency of 59.95 Hz, this indicates that the system frequency is below the standard operating range of 60 Hz. A frequency decrease often suggests that there is insufficient generation to match the load within the balancing authority area or that there is an increase in net load.

In this situation, having a positive Net Actual Interchange signifies that Balancing Authority A is receiving more power from interconnected systems than it is generating itself. To counteract the low frequency, the Balancing Authority needs to increase its generation output. By increasing the MW output, Balancing Authority A can help raise the frequency back toward the desired 60 Hz, contributing to overall grid stability.

It’s important to note that simply maintaining current output or reducing MW output would exacerbate the frequency issue, leading to further deviation from the ideal frequency. Shutting down unnecessary generation would also reduce overall output, which is counterproductive in this scenario. Thus, increasing the MW output is the correct response to help restore frequency levels to their normal operating range.