Frequency response is a measure of an Interconnection’s ability to arrest frequency changes and stabilize frequency immediately following the sudden loss of generation or load. It is extremely important in the reliable operation of the grid. With the transformation of the resource mix some of the frequency response services inherently provided by large, synchronous generation resources (i.e., large coal power generating stations) may not be available in the future. This paper explains inertial response and primary and secondary frequency response, the different forms these services take and how they can be provided, and recent regulation in this area. It concludes with options that policy makers can consider for maintaining these services under expected future resource mixes.
This work was accomplished through a Idaho-WIEB State Energy Planning (SEP) project funded by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, to foster regional and state energy planning in the West and identify opportunities for multi-state or region-wide collaborations to address emerging energy issues.