What is the relationship between frequency decline and load?

The relationship between frequency decline and load is primarily due to the principle of maintaining a balance between generation and consumption (load) in a power system. When a system experiences a frequency drop, it typically indicates that the generation is less than the load being consumed.

In general, a 1% drop in system frequency can correlate with approximately a 2% drop in load. This assertion arises from the understanding that as frequency decreases, the generation resources are unable to meet the existing demand efficiently. The system's response to a frequency drop involves a change in load as consumers reduce their demand or as generation resources stop responding adequately to the existing demand.

Assuming a linear relationship, this corresponds with how system operators are trained to manage frequency regulation. When frequency decreases, the system's operational dynamics imply that for certain amounts of frequency drop, a predictable amount of load has been lost, which is encapsulated in the 1% frequency drop equating to a 2% load drop.

This relationship is crucial for operators to understand, as it guides them in making decisions about how to restore balance in the grid through actions such as activating reserve generation or reducing load strategically to stabilize the frequency.