What happens to the stability of a system if MVARs are not effectively managed between substations?

When MVARs (megavolt-amperes reactive) are not effectively managed between substations, the overall stability of the power system can be significantly compromised. MVARs are crucial for maintaining voltage levels within the power system and for ensuring that reactive power, which is necessary for the operation of inductive loads, is adequately supplied.

If there is inadequate management of reactive power among substations, it can lead to voltage instability, which may cause oscillations that threaten the reliable operation of the entire system. This instability can manifest as voltage sags, surges, or even cascading failures, where the failure of one part of the system triggers failures in others, ultimately leading to widespread outages.

Thus, without proper management of reactive power flows, the system becomes highly unstable, making it susceptible to disturbances and reducing the reliability of electricity supply to consumers. Proper MVAR management is essential for maintaining balance and ensuring that the stability of the system is preserved during varying load conditions.