What is the purpose of the voltage schedule provided by the TOP?

The correct purpose of the voltage schedule provided by the Transmission Operator (TOP) is primarily to inform Reliability Coordinators and adjacent Balancing Authorities (BAs) about the expected operating conditions of the transmission system. This is crucial for maintaining system reliability and operational coordination among different entities in the bulk electric system. By sharing the voltage schedule, the TOP ensures that all relevant parties have the necessary information to make informed decisions regarding the operation and management of the transmission network, thus fostering better communication and cooperation, which is essential for maintaining grid stability.

While regulating transmission voltages is an important aspect of a TOP’s responsibilities, the specific function of a voltage schedule is to communicate and coordinate with other entities, rather than directly executing voltage regulation itself. Compliance with regulatory standards and balancing reactive power resources are also key activities in the operation of the power system, yet they do not directly capture the primary intention behind the voltage schedule, which is fundamentally about communication and coordination among multiple stakeholders involved in the reliability of the electricity grid.