What corrective actions should a transmission operator take to prevent voltage collapse if reactive resources are insufficient?

The selection of shedding load as a corrective action in the event of insufficient reactive resources to prevent voltage collapse is appropriate because it addresses an immediate need to stabilize the power system. When the reactive power available is insufficient to support voltage levels, shedding load helps reduce the overall demand on the system. This reduction allows the remaining system to stabilize, as it decreases the electrical load and helps prevent cascading failures.

By shedding load, the transmission operator can alleviate stress on the system, which in turn mitigates the risk of voltage levels falling dangerously low. Voltage collapse occurs when there is not enough reactive power to maintain voltage levels required for system stability. Therefore, by strategically disconnecting certain loads, the operator effectively restores the balance between supply and demand, and aids in maintaining a stable system voltage.

It's important to note the other options involve approaches that may not be as effective given the circumstances described. For instance, reducing generation forces could exacerbate the issue of insufficient reactive support. Increasing reactive resources might take time to implement, and might not provide an immediate solution under emergency conditions. Limiting energy exports serves to retain power within the system but doesn't directly address the immediate voltage stability concerns if reactive resources are lacking. Overall, shedding load is a practical and swift corrective measure in this context