Which entities must be notified within 30 minutes after an Emergency notification is received by a Reliability Coordinator?

• A. Only neighboring Reliability Coordinators
• B. Balancing Authorities and Transmission Operators within its Reliability Coordinator Area, and neighboring Reliability Coordinators
• C. Only Balancing Authorities
• D. Only Transmission Operators

Answer: (B)

When an Emergency notification is received by a Reliability Coordinator, the main idea is to rapidly share critical situational information with the parties that actually operate and balance the bulk power system, both within the RC’s own area and with neighboring RCs. The requirement to notify Balancing Authorities and Transmission Operators within its Reliability Coordinator Area, plus neighboring Reliability Coordinators, within 30 minutes, ensures that those who control generation, manage load balance, and operate the transmission network can take coordinated action and provide the necessary support as the situation evolves. This broader notification helps maintain overall reliability by enabling internal coordination and cross-boundary cooperation.

If you only inform one group, you’d miss essential actions elsewhere: Balancing Authorities handle energy balance, Transmission Operators manage transmission constraints and outages, and neighboring RCs need to be aware to prevent ripple effects across interconnections. The combination in this option ensures fast, comprehensive situational awareness and coordinated response.