System Frequency

Data from 05/19/2024 to 05/20/2024

A guideline (in orange) is placed at 60.00 Hz, the default electrical frequency in power systems.

System Frequency Description

System Frequency displays the grid electrical frequency, which is an important parameter that indicates the balance between generation and demand. In North America, 60 Hz is the default electrical frequency in power systems. If demand starts exceeding generation, the system frequency will fall below 60 Hz. If generation starts exceeding demand, the system frequency will rise above 60 Hz.

When generation drops significantly below demand, it's important to prevent the system frequency from dropping below certain critical thresholds to avoid catastrophe. For instance, in the Texas winter storm in February 2021, the system frequency dropped below one such threshold, at 59.4 Hz. A protection scheme kicked into place and would have completely shut down the grid if the frequency remained under that threshold for 9 minutes. This is to prevent irreversible damage to the grid but unfortunately results in the complete collapse of the grid, which could have lasted for weeks. Fortunately, with 4 minutes and 37 seconds left to spare, the frequency was restored to safer levels above the threshold.

Data Sources