Grid operators seek balance. For the grid area under their control, they must balance customer demand (including system exports) with electricity generation (including system imports). The consequences of failing to maintain balance are serious - declining power quality and ultimately loss of power to customers. Typically, the grid operator has no control over, and no advance warning of, customer demand (other than predictions based on history and weather forecasts) and must maintain balance by directing the operation of generators. Moreover, the operators face uncertainties from other sources, such as the unplanned shutdown of a generator or loss of a transmission line. Maintaining balance has traditionally relied on a fleet of generators with the ability to quickly change power output in response to operator direction.
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