What does effective system monitoring help to ensure?

Effective system monitoring is crucial because it directly supports reliable performance of the electrical system. Continuous monitoring allows operators to observe real-time data on system status, performance metrics, and operational parameters. By identifying and analyzing potential issues before they escalate, operators can take proactive measures to address them, ensuring the system runs efficiently and reliably. This capability is essential for maintaining stability, preventing outages, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

While monitoring may also influence financial expenditures, communication with energy providers, or capacity for renewable resources indirectly, its primary and most direct purpose is to maintain the integrity and reliability of the electrical system. This foundational aspect is critical, particularly in a landscape increasingly driven by intermittent resources like renewables, where reliable monitoring becomes even more essential for balancing load and generation effectively.