When the system is nearing a voltage collapse and other remedies are unfeasible, what should operating personnel do?

When the system is nearing a voltage collapse and other remedies are unfeasible, shedding load is the most viable option. This approach involves intentionally reducing the electrical demand by disconnecting certain loads from the system. Shedding load helps to stabilize the system by lowering the consumption of electricity to match available supply, which can alleviate pressure on the system and help prevent an undesirable voltage collapse.

In situations where voltage levels are critical, balancing the supply and demand is crucial. Increasing generation, while it might seem like a solution, is not always feasible due to various constraints such as lack of available generating capacity, network congestion, or inability to quickly ramp up generation. Adjusting voltage levels is another potential strategy, but it may not effectively address the root cause of the voltage instability, especially if the system is already facing severe operational challenges. Requesting an outage could provide temporary relief but may not be justified if it leads to further complications or safety issues.

Shedding load, therefore, is the most immediate and effective strategy to stabilize the system during critical conditions, helping to prevent further deterioration of the grid's operational status.