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Spinning reserve — Energy Glossary | Pilot Energy

Written by Pilot Energy | May 26, 2026 4:22:21 PM

Spinning reserve

Category: Grid Ops

Generation capacity that is already online and synchronized to the grid but not fully loaded — available to ramp up within 10 minutes to respond to a sudden loss of generation or unexpected demand increase. One of the core ancillary services procured by grid operators.

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