What is the primary goal of "economic dispatch"?

The primary goal of economic dispatch is to select the most cost-effective generation resources. This involves analyzing the operational characteristics of different generation units, including their costs of production and the demand requirements of the grid. The objective is to minimize the overall cost of providing electricity while satisfying demand and maintaining reliability.

In this context, the dispatcher assesses the various available generation units and chooses those that can provide the required power at the lowest total cost. This includes considering fuel costs, operational efficiencies, and the specific capabilities of each generator. By prioritizing the least expensive resources, economic dispatch helps ensure that electricity is produced in a manner that minimizes expenses for consumers while still meeting all necessary demand.

While maximizing generation output, minimizing environmental impact, and meeting regulatory compliance are important considerations in the broader context of power generation and management, they are not the primary focus of economic dispatch. The central aim is to optimize cost efficiency, making option B the correct choice.