When electricity consumers don't switch on any appliance, and the power generation sources continue to produce electricity, the electricity will be pushed into the power grid. The power grid acts as a complex network of interconnected transmission lines, substations, and distribution networks that deliver electricity from power plants to consumers.
Here's what happens when there is excess electricity in the grid due to low demand from consumers:
Load Balancing: Power grid operators continuously monitor the electricity demand and supply. When there is lower demand than the electricity being generated, they take action to balance the grid.
Spinning Reserves: Many power plants, particularly those that use fossil fuels or hydroelectric sources, have the ability to adjust their output quickly. They can operate at less than their maximum capacity, acting as spinning reserves. This allows the grid to maintain a stable frequency and voltage, ensuring that the electrical system remains in balance.
Pumped Storage: In some cases, excess electricity can be used to pump water into higher reservoirs. This energy can be stored as potential energy. When demand increases, this water can be released to flow downhill, turning turbines and generating electricity to meet the demand.
Exporting to Other Regions: If there is surplus electricity in a specific region, it can be transmitted to neighboring regions that might have higher demand. Interconnected power grids allow for electricity exchange between regions or even between countries.
Load Shedding: In extreme cases of excess electricity and insufficient demand, power grid operators may resort to load shedding. Load shedding is a controlled process of temporarily cutting off power to certain areas to prevent overloading the system and maintain grid stability.
Renewable Energy Constraints: For renewable energy sources like solar and wind, the electricity generation is dependent on the availability of sunlight or wind. If there is low demand, and these sources are producing more electricity than needed, some of the excess energy might be curtailed or wasted if there's no means to store it or export it to other regions.
It's important to maintain a balance between electricity generation and consumption to ensure the stability and reliability of the power grid. Grid operators use sophisticated control systems to manage the supply and demand in real-time, keeping the grid stable and preventing disruptions.