NERC Health & Safety Institute (HSI) Practice Test

Putting capacitors in service during low voltage conditions serves the vital purpose of providing reactive power support. Reactive power is necessary for maintaining voltage levels across the electrical system, particularly in environments where voltage might drop due to high demand or other factors. When capacitors are energized, they produce reactive power, which helps to counteract the inductive effects of loads such as motors and transformers.

This reactive power flow effectively stabilizes and raises the voltage, maintaining the voltage within acceptable limits. Such voltage regulation is crucial for the reliability and efficiency of the electrical grid, helping prevent voltage collapse and ensuring that all connected devices operate optimally.

While increasing voltage levels might seem like a direct effect of providing reactive power, the primary functional aim of using capacitors in these scenarios is more aligned with supporting reactive power needs rather than merely aiming to increase voltage. Other options, such as reducing system losses or offloading transmission lines, may be indirect benefits or objectives that don't directly relate to the immediate goal of supporting reactive power during low voltage conditions.