1.During system restoration, when a synchronous area is split in several synchronised regions, the TSOs of each synchronised region shall appoint a frequency leader, in accordance with paragraph 3.
2.During system restoration, when a synchronous area is not split but the system frequency exceeds the frequency limits for the alert state as defined in Article 18(2) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1485, all TSOs of the synchronous area shall appoint a frequency leader, in accordance with paragraph 3.
3.The TSO with the highest real-time estimated K-factor shall be appointed as the frequency leader, unless the TSOs of the synchronised region, or of the synchronous area, agree to appoint another TSO as the frequency leader. In that case, the TSOs of the synchronised region, or of the synchronous area, shall consider the following criteria:
(a)the amount of available active power reserves and especially frequency restoration reserves;
(b)the capacities available on interconnectors;
(c)the availability of frequency measurements of TSOs of the synchronised region or of the synchronous area; and
(d)the availability of measurements on critical elements within the synchronised region or the synchronous area.
4.Notwithstanding paragraph 3, where the size of the synchronous area concerned and the real time situation allow it, the TSOs of the synchronous area may appoint a predetermined frequency leader.
5.The TSO appointed as frequency leader pursuant to paragraphs 1 and 2 shall inform the other TSOs of the synchronous area of its appointment without delay.
6.The appointed frequency leader shall act as such until:
(a)another frequency leader is appointed for its synchronised region;
(b)a new frequency leader is appointed as the result of resynchronisation of its synchronised region with another synchronised region; or
(c)the synchronous area has been completely resynchronised, the system frequency is within the standard frequency range and the LFC operated by each TSO of the synchronous area is back to its normal operating mode in accordance with Article 18(1) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1485.