In the event of SCADA alarms indicating a disturbance, what should the operator consider if one of the lines is above its SOL?

When faced with SCADA alarms indicating a disturbance and one of the lines is above its System Operating Limit (SOL), considering potential separation or islanding in the affected area is a critical response. This approach is rooted in the principle of maintaining system reliability and stability.

Separation or islanding involves intentionally disconnecting parts of the electrical grid to reduce stress on an overloaded line. If a line is operating above its SOL, it means that the line is carrying more power than it is safely designed to handle, risking failure, which can lead to cascading outages. By contemplating islanding, operators can isolate the sections of the grid that are at risk and manage the load more effectively.

This strategy helps to protect infrastructure and maintain system integrity. It allows for better control of the remaining generation and load in stable areas of the grid. Operators can then work on restoring normal conditions without exacerbating the disturbance, ensuring that the overall system remains reliable.

In contrast, immediate responses such as increasing generation or switching to reserve lines may not address the underlying issue of the overloaded line and could potentially worsen the situation. Reducing the load in area A may help, but without considering the implications for the grid as a whole, it might not take into account the need for strategic separation to