After a disturbance in frequency, what could indicate an automatic governor response?

An automatic governor response is designed to react to changes in system frequency to maintain equilibrium within the power grid. When a disturbance occurs, the primary objective of the governor system is to adjust the generation output based on the frequency deviation observed.

A slight increase in frequency following a disturbance indicates that the governors are functioning correctly by increasing the output of generating units. This response counteracts the increase in system frequency, typically caused by a sudden loss of load or a reduction in generation. As generators apply a corrective measure to increase their output, this adjustment reflects a proactive effort to stabilize the frequency back towards its nominal value, which is crucial for maintaining reliable grid operation.

The other scenarios present different conditions that do not necessarily signify a proper governor response. A steady frequency rise may indicate a failure in the system to respond effectively. A rapid decrease in frequency points to insufficient generation or an increase in load, which the governors would ideally be responding to but failing to do so effectively. A complete power outage would signify a total loss of system control, leaving no room for any governor response, as generators would be offline.