How often should BA calculate and record inadvertent interchange?

The calculation and recording of inadvertent interchange is a crucial task for Balancing Authorities (BAs), as it helps to ensure that the power system remains reliable and balanced over time. The NERC requirements stipulate that BAs should calculate and record inadvertent interchange on an hourly basis, which corresponds to the choice of 60 minutes. This periodic assessment allows BAs to monitor and address any discrepancies in energy interchange effectively, maintaining system stability and reliability.

Calculating this information every hour is also practical for operational decision-making, as it aligns with other data collection and reporting processes typically performed on a similar timeframe. By focusing on an hourly basis, BAs ensure they are continuously aware of any unintended imbalances in their generation and load, facilitating prompt corrective actions.