NERC NERC Interconnection and Balancing Operations

Question 1

Which NERC standard requires Balancing Authorities to maintain frequency within defined limits?

Accepted Answer

BAL-001

Answer

BAL-001 requires Balancing Authorities to maintain real power balance to keep Interconnection frequency within established limits.

Question 2

What is the nominal frequency of the Eastern, Western, and Texas (ERCOT) Interconnections in North America?

Accepted Answer

60 Hz

Answer

All three major North American interconnections operate at a nominal frequency of 60 Hz.

Question 3

Under NERC BAL-003, what is the purpose of the Frequency Response Obligation (FRO)?

Accepted Answer

To ensure each Balancing Authority contributes sufficient primary frequency response to arrest frequency decline after a generation loss

Answer

BAL-003 establishes each BA's Frequency Response Obligation — the minimum primary frequency response each BA must provide to stabilize interconnection frequency after disturbances.

Question 4

What does 'Automatic Generation Control' (AGC) do in a Balancing Authority's control area?

Accepted Answer

Continuously adjusts generator output to maintain scheduled tie-line flows and area control error at zero

Answer

AGC adjusts generator MW output to regulate Area Control Error (ACE), keeping scheduled interchange and frequency on target.

Question 5

The 'Area Control Error' (ACE) in a Balancing Authority represents:

Accepted Answer

The difference between actual and scheduled interchange plus the BA's share of frequency deviation

Answer

ACE is the instantaneous difference between a BA's actual net interchange and scheduled interchange, adjusted for the BA's frequency bias contribution.

NERC - North American Electric Reliability Corporation Practice Test

NERC - North American Electric Reliability Corporation Practice Test

NERC NERC Interconnection and Balancing Operations