When must the TOP report planned outage information to the affected entities?

The requirement for the Transmission Operator (TOP) to report planned outage information to the affected entities is specified in the NERC Reliability Standards. The correct answer indicates that the TOP must report this information by 1200 hours on the day of the planned outage. This timeframe ensures that all relevant entities are notified in a timely manner, allowing them to take necessary precautions and consider any impacts the outage may have on system reliability.

Timely reporting is crucial as it helps maintain situational awareness among all entities involved in the operation of the electric grid. If outages are communicated later, they could lead to increased risk of reliability issues, such as unplanned outages or system imbalances. Thus, adhering to the 1200-hour deadline is key to preserving the integrity of the electrical system and ensuring that all parties can respond appropriately to any operational changes.