Line fault leads data centres to switch to backup power in Northern Virginia

What happened

RTO Insider, citing PJM and Yes Energy data, reported that about 3 GW of load dropped off the grid between 7:55 and 8 a.m. It said about 3 GW of data centre load in Northern Virginia automatically switched to backup power after a transmission line fault. Dominion Energy was reported as saying that lights flickered in the area but there was no loss of power. The sudden load loss led to a spike in PJM's area control error. The available text does not give the calendar date of the fault, name the line, or say whether any data centre equipment failed.

Contributing factors

A transmission line fault was reported. Its cause was not stated.

Lessons learned

1. A transmission fault can make a very large block of data centre load leave the grid and transfer to backup power at once.
2. Grid operators should watch area control error when load drops suddenly.
3. A report of flickering without a loss of supply still needs a clear account of what transferred and what did not.

Source

rtoinsider.com