What is typically the first action taken when a transmission line is predicted to overload?

In scenarios where a transmission line is predicted to overload, the primary course of action is to shed load. This involves reducing the electrical demand on the system to alleviate pressure on the transmission line and prevent it from exceeding its capacity. Overloading can lead to serious issues, including equipment damage and potential blackouts, so proactive measures are critical.

Shed load entails disconnecting certain portions of the load from the system strategically, often starting with non-essential loads or those that can be temporarily curtailed without significant disruption. This is an effective immediate response to manage the system dynamically.

Reconnecting generation could also be an option, but it is generally a secondary measure that follows after load shedding or is applied in combination with shed load to maintain system stability. Similarly, while increasing voltage might seem like a potential solution, it can complicate the situation if the line is close to overloading, potentially leading to stability issues. Monitoring for changes is important for ongoing situational awareness, but it is not the immediate action to take when anticipating an overload condition. The priority must be to reduce demand quickly to ensure system safety and reliability.