What does 'System Disturbance' entail?

The term 'System Disturbance' is defined as any unexpected change that impacts the performance or reliability of the electrical system. This can include events such as voltage spikes, sudden loss of a generation unit, or even faults in the transmission network. Such disturbances can lead to cascading failures or blackouts if not properly managed, underscoring the importance of understanding and identifying these events.

In contrast, scheduled maintenance and planned upgrades refer to organized activities that are intended to enhance system performance without introducing unforeseen changes. Regular fluctuations in energy demand are normal operational variations that do not constitute disturbances, as they are anticipated and accounted for in system planning. Understanding 'System Disturbance' is crucial for reliability coordinators as it highlights the need for preparedness and response strategies to ensure the stability and reliability of the power system.