What does load shedding refer to in the context of substations?

Load shedding in the context of substations refers to the deliberate act of disconnecting certain loads or electrical consumers from the power supply. The primary aim of this practice is to prevent the electrical system from becoming overloaded, which can lead to potential failures, equipment damage, or blackouts.

When the demand for electricity exceeds the supply capabilities of a substation or the broader electrical grid, operators might initiate load shedding as a preventive measure. This action helps to maintain system stability by balancing the load and ensuring that the remaining operational components can function effectively without being overwhelmed.

In contrast, increasing the load to enhance productivity, redistributing power among different circuits, or automating the shutdown of equipment do not align with the primary purpose of load shedding. The focus of load shedding is specifically on managing and controlling electrical loads in situations where there is a risk of system overload.