Which type of MW load is most affected by an intentional frequency reduction?

Motor loads are highly sensitive to frequency reductions due to their reliance on the balance between mechanical and electrical energy. When the frequency of the electrical supply decreases, the speed at which the motors operate also tends to drop. This can lead to reduced efficiency, increased heating in the motor windings, and potential overheating if sustained for long periods.

In contrast, resistance loads (like heaters and incandescent bulbs) typically convert electrical energy directly into heat and do not rely heavily on frequency for their operation. Heating loads generally maintain their power consumption regardless of frequency changes, although their output may not be as effective. Lighting loads also tend to be less impacted since many lighting systems (such as LEDs) are designed to accommodate small variations in frequency without a significant loss in performance.

Motor loads, particularly in industrial applications, are designed to operate optimally at a specific frequency (usually 60 Hz in North America), and any intentional frequency reduction can lead to immediate performance issues, making them the type of load most affected in these scenarios.