What is a likely ultimate outcome when reactive resources are inadequate to meet reactive power demand?

When reactive resources are inadequate to meet reactive power demand, the system can experience voltage stability issues. Reactive power is essential for maintaining voltage levels within the electrical grid. If there is insufficient reactive power, voltage levels can drop significantly. When voltage reaches critically low levels due to a lack of reactive support, it can lead to a voltage collapse. Consequently, this situation often precipitates separation of the power system into smaller, isolated sections to protect remaining parts from cascading failures, ultimately preserving system integrity at the cost of some loads.

In scenarios where reactive power is adequately supplied, the benefits can include enhanced voltage stability, improved efficiency, and reliable service. However, without sufficient reactive resources, the system risks falling into instability. The separation of the system during a voltage collapse serves as a protective mechanism to prevent a complete system failure, emphasizing the criticality of maintaining adequate reactive power levels in the grid.