In normal condition, the grid is operated according to the N-1 safety principle. Here, the loss of one grid element can be absorbed without exceeding operational limits so that there is no impact on grid users.
In case of multiple incidents that cause currents, voltages or the grid frequency to evolve outside the operational limits, automatic protection measures intervene immediately to avoid further deterioration of the state of the electrical system. The nature and magnitude of the incident determines which protective measures are triggered. In exceptional cases, some grid users may be temporarily interrupted. Elia's system operators, who continuously monitor the grid condition, will make every effort to restore the N-1 condition as quickly as possible.
In the event of a pre-announced electricity shortage, the government will try to reduce electricity consumption by announcing demand reduction measures or by issuing bans on the use of electricity for certain purposes. The different segments of the electricity markets (day-ahead, intra-day and real-time balancing) will show price signals that should encourage consumers to reduce consumption and producers to inject maximum electricity into the grid. After that, if there would still be a shortage, Elia can reduce consumption by activating the manual shutdown plan.
Elia will inform stakeholders if the grid is in the emergency, blackout or recovery state.