Why do under frequency load shed programs operate automatically?

Under frequency load shedding programs are designed to respond automatically during situations where the frequency of the power system falls below a predetermined threshold. This loss of frequency typically indicates that the system is experiencing an imbalance between supply and demand, often leading to a risk of system instability or blackouts.

When frequency drops, it is crucial to quickly reduce electrical load to restore balance and allow generators to stay on the grid without tripping offline. The automatic operation of these programs ensures an immediate response, which is vital for maintaining the reliability of the power system. In scenarios where frequency declines, shedding load instantly prevents further frequency degradation, protects generator operations, and avoids cascading failures that could jeopardize the entire network.

While operational costs, load forecasting accuracy, and managing renewable energy sources are essential considerations in energy management, they do not directly explain the purpose of under frequency load shedding, which focuses more on system stability and protection against equipment failure during critical frequency drops.