The announcement of the recall period in the capacity market resulted from the fact that the surplus of generating capacity available to operators compared to customer demand was much lower than the 9% required for safe system operation.
The operation of the electric power system is planned in such a way that the operator always has adequate electric power reserves. This is necessary to meet demand if, for example, a generating unit fails, generation from renewable sources will be lower than planned or demand will be higher than estimated. If adequate backup is not maintained, it is necessary to use the various tools available to the operator. These include: changes to renovation schedules, generation increase orders, operation of overloaded power plants or use of pumped storage power plants. – Capacity market drawback periods should not be confused with electricity supply phases – these are two separate mechanisms. Power levels, i.e. restrictions on electricity consumption and supply, are a “last measure”, explained the operator.