### Question
What does reliable operation mean?


### Answer
**Reliable operation** has the following meaning in *16 U.S.C. § 824o*:

> operating the elements of the bulk-power system within equipment and electric system thermal, voltage, and stability limits so that instability, uncontrolled separation, or cascading failures of such system will not occur as a result of a sudden disturbance, including a cybersecurity incident, or unanticipated failure of system elements

#### Citation:
  - *16 U.S.C. § 824o*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 12-FEDERAL REGULATION AND DEVELOPMENT OF POWER > SUBCHAPTER II-REGULATION OF ELECTRIC UTILITY COMPANIES ENGAGED IN INTERSTATE COMMERCE**

