What is the frequency bias setting as a percentage of load?

The frequency bias setting is an important parameter used in the energy market to help maintain system reliability and stability by adjusting generation output in response to changes in system frequency. This setting is expressed as a percentage of load, indicating how much generation will be adjusted for a specific frequency deviation from the nominal frequency.

The frequency bias typically reflects the system’s ability to respond to frequency changes: for example, if the frequency drops, generators will be expected to increase output proportionate to the load. A setting of 1% indicates that for every 1% decrease in frequency, the generation should increase by an equivalent percentage of the load. This ensures that there is a balanced response to maintain frequency within acceptable operational limits.

This value is a standard choice in many grid operations because it balances responsiveness with stability, ensuring that the generation fleet can respond adequately to changes without causing excessive oscillations or instability in the system. The selection of this percentage is based on operational experience and the dynamics of the specific electrical system in question.