What should operating personnel do when a system is on the verge of a voltage collapse and no other solutions are available?

When a system is on the verge of a voltage collapse and no other solutions are available, shedding load is often the most necessary and immediate action to take. This approach involves reducing the demand on the system to prevent further deterioration of the voltage levels.

In circumstances of impending voltage collapse, the integrity of the power system is compromised, which necessitates an urgent response. Shedding load can help to balance the generation and demand, mitigating further stresses on the system and potentially allowing for voltage recovery. By removing some of the electrical demand, it enables the remaining generation resources to better manage the voltage levels within acceptable parameters.

While increasing generation or engaging reactive power resources can also play roles in voltage support, those options may not be feasible if the generation resources are already stretched or if reactive power capabilities are insufficient. Adjusting voltage control is another technique that can aid in stabilizing voltage levels, but when a situation is critical and requires immediate action, load shedding becomes the preferred method to manage the crisis effectively and protect the overall grid stability.