What should a BA's primary objective be during a capacity or energy emergency?

During a capacity or energy emergency, the primary objective of a Balancing Authority (BA) is to return the Area Control Error (ACE) to an acceptable level. This is crucial because ACE represents the difference between the scheduled and actual power flow in a given area, affecting the reliability of the grid. By managing ACE effectively, the BA ensures that supply and demand are balanced, which is vital during emergencies when there may be constraints on generation or unexpected load increases.

Maintaining ACE within acceptable limits is essential for preventing cascading failures and maintaining system stability. If ACE is too high or inconsistent, it indicates that the system is out of balance, which can lead to voltage instability, potential blackouts, or damage to equipment. Hence, taking immediate corrective measures to stabilize ACE is the priority during such crises.