Keeping the Grid Balanced
Electricity is always moving.
And it’s important to make sure it has the right amount of energy flowing at all times.
Too much energy? It can overload the system and damage equipment.
Not enough energy? Lights can flicker and people can lose power.
TVA’s Balancing Authority team works all day, every day to keep a close eye on how much electricity is being produced and how much electricity people need.
A Day at the Balancing Authority
System Operators work in teams of two. Every two seconds, they get updates on how much power is being generated and how much power people need.
Power Forecasts
TVA uses forecasts to help determine how much energy they need at any given time. This is a little like a meteorologist giving a weather forecast for the next day.
The system operators use the power forecast to plan which plants will be operating throughout the day.
Fast Action
Forecasts help system operators plan how they will meet demand. But sometimes, demand is higher.
When that happens, the system operators have to think fast. They turn to different types of energy generation to help meet demand: