How many hours of run time must Black starter resource operators maintain fuel for?

The correct answer is that Black starter resource operators must maintain fuel for 16 hours of run time. This requirement is in place to ensure that operators have adequate fuel supplies for their resources to effectively respond to system needs, particularly in the event of a blackout or other emergency situations. Maintaining sufficient fuel for a 16-hour run time allows these resources to stabilize the electrical grid during critical times, providing reliability and ensuring that operators can restore power and maintain grid integrity for an extended duration if needed.

Understanding this requirement is vital, as it reflects the operational readiness and contingency planning essential in the PJM interconnection area, ensuring that resources are prepared for prolonged outages or disruptions while also aligning with regulatory standards for system reliability.