How many Black Start resources must be allocated to each transmission zone with a critical load requirement?

The allocation of Black Start resources is critical for ensuring the reliability and stability of the power grid after a blackout. Each transmission zone with a defined critical load requirement must have a minimum of two Black Start resources available. This requirement is designed to enhance the resilience of the electrical grid, ensuring that if one resource experiences failure or is unavailable, there is still another resource that can be utilized to initiate the process of restoring power.

Having two Black Start resources in each zone allows for operational flexibility and redundancy, which are vital in emergency situations. This redundancy helps to mitigate the risk of complete failure in recovering from a blackout, as the availability of multiple resources can facilitate the restoration of service in a more timely and efficient manner. In addition, having at least two resources can aid in managing the complexities of restoring power to a networked system where load requirements can vary significantly.

This requirement is part of a broader strategy to maintain reliability in the face of potential disruptions and underscores the importance of sufficient planning and resource allocation in power system operations.