What happens during a forced outage?

A forced outage is characterized by its unplanned nature, which arises from unforeseen events or failures that disrupt the normal operation of a power facility or transmission line. This type of outage can occur due to equipment malfunctions, severe weather events, or other unexpected situations that compromise the reliability and functionality of the system.

In contrast to a planned outage, which is scheduled in advance to facilitate maintenance or upgrades, a forced outage occurs abruptly and without prior notice. This immediacy necessitates swift action to mitigate any negative impacts on the wider electrical grid and its reliability. Stakeholders typically do not receive advance announcements of a forced outage due to its suddenness and the necessity for rapid response and communication.

The nature of a forced outage also diverges from the need for formal approval, as it is typically an immediate operational response to a critical issue rather than a pre-planned event. This distinction underscores the urgency and reactive nature of forced outages within the operational protocols of power generation and transmission.