Flexibility

When applied to the Power System, Flexibility represents its ability to respond to expected and unexpected changes in the supply-demand position, including Generation Plant failures, fluctuations in Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) output and variations in Demand over all necessary timeframes.

When applied to an individual Energy Resource, Flexibility represents the extent to which its output can be adjusted or committed in or out of service. This includes:

  1. The speed of response to start up and shut down;
  2. The rate of ramping; and,
  3. Whether it can operate in the full range of capability, or has restrictions such as a minimum generation requirement, or a limitation on the amount of bulk energy that can be produced.

Given the fast-evolving nature of power system transformation, the Future Grid Accelerator (FGA) has the status of a perpetual BETA version. Your suggestions for how each concept and definition may be enhanced are very welcome.

All feedback will be reviewed and considered for inclusion in subsequent updates.

Please provide your suggestions to improve to this definition: