What is the best course of action for a System Operator in the event of an overloaded underground cable?

The best course of action for a System Operator in the event of an overloaded underground cable involves performing a power flow study in preparation for opening a line, as this allows for a thorough analysis of the system and helps to determine the potential impacts of opening a line on the overall network.

The power flow study will provide insight into how the electrical load is distributed in the system, what other connections may be affected, and whether there might be any risk of overloading other equipment or lines. This analytical approach is crucial for ensuring that decisions made mitigate risks and maintain system stability.

By preparing for the opening of a specific line, the System Operator can anticipate changes in flows, voltages, and potential stability issues, ensuring that they maintain reliability and safety within the grid. This methodical step aids in minimizing disruptions and optimizing the performance of the electrical system.

Choosing to shed load at a substation, while it may relieve the immediate pressure on the overloaded cable, does not provide the strategic foresight that a power flow study does. Similarly, preparing to open specific lines without first analyzing the broader system dynamics can lead to insufficient or reactive measures that might inadvertently cause further issues. Changing tap settings on a transformer may adjust voltages but does not address the root cause of