Which black start generation is restored before requests for customer load?

The restoration of cranking power for combustion turbines is essential before any requests for customer load. Cranking power refers to the electrical energy necessary to start up combustion turbines, which are critical components in power generation.

When a black start occurs, the system needs to be re-energized without any external power sources, and combustion turbines require this initial power to begin their operation. Once these turbines are up and running, they can generate electricity that will subsequently be used to restore customer loads.

The process ensures that the grid can stabilize and adequately supply power to meet demand, and having the cranking power ready is a fundamental step in enabling the operation of combustion turbines. This mechanism is pivotal in the sequence of restoring the system, as it forms the backbone of generating capacity during a black start situation.