Within how many minutes must regulation be attainable?

Regulation refers to the ability of generation resources to adjust their output in response to frequency changes and other system needs, ensuring the balance between supply and demand in real-time operations. The standard timeframe within which regulation must be attainable is crucial for maintaining grid stability.

The correct answer indicates that regulation should be attainable within 5 minutes. This timeframe is established to ensure that operators can react quickly to any unexpected changes in demand or generation. A 5-minute response window allows for timely and effective adjustments, which are particularly important during peak load times or when unexpected outages occur. Systems that can provide this level of responsiveness enhance the reliability and stability of the overall power grid.

In practical terms, this 5-minute requirement is significant during instances when frequency is disrupted due to sudden load changes or generation failures. Providing regulation within this window helps to prevent cascading failures and maintain a stable frequency across the grid, which is essential for the safety and reliability of the electrical system.