What action should the RC take during an area-wide disturbance when there is a possibility of losing a major tie line?

In the context of managing an area-wide disturbance, the primary goal is to maintain system stability and reliability. When there is the potential for losing a major tie line, it is critical to address the flow of power across that line to prevent further system degradation.

Increasing generation in the area is a proactive measure that can help reduce the electrical flow across the tie line. By boosting local generation capacity, you effectively redistribute load and decrease the pressure on the tie line, which may be approaching its operational limits. This response helps to stabilize the grid and can prevent a potential cascade of failures associated with tie line loss. Balancing generation with demand reduces the likelihood of violating system limits and helps maintain the integrity of the interconnected grid.

In contrast, the other options present different strategies. Implementing schedule voltage changes or a voltage reduction plan might help manage local voltages but would not necessarily address the flow on the tie line directly. Shedding load could be a last-resort measure, typically reserved for instances where the system is unable to maintain stability after other options have been exhausted, as it can lead to significant customer impact and may not effectively mitigate the risk associated with losing a tie line. Therefore, increasing generation is considered the most effective immediate action in this scenario.