What could be a consequence of failing to manage reactive power effectively during restoration?

The consequence of failing to manage reactive power effectively during restoration is primarily tied to increased system losses. Reactive power plays a crucial role in maintaining voltage levels across the transmission system. When reactive power is not properly managed, it can lead to voltage instability and inefficiencies in the power system.

Increased system losses occur because the infrastructure has to work harder to transmit real power, resulting in higher line losses due to the increased current flowing through the system. This escalation in current typically raises resistive losses, which are proportional to the square of the current (I²R losses). As a result, if the system is unable to maintain adequate reactive power support, the performance deteriorates, leading to inefficiencies in power delivery and higher operational costs.

In contrast, improving system reliability, enhancing voltage stability, and achieving greater efficiency are typically the desired outcomes of effective reactive power management, not the result of failure in this area. Thus, failing to manage reactive power appropriately directly impacts system performance negatively, creating increased losses and reduced effectiveness during restoration efforts.