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TRANSMISSION OPERATIONS & PLANNING

Emergency Operations and Blackstart

Developing new methods for including risk in operations and planning and developing novel methods for resiliency and system restoration assessments including use of non-traditional resources. 

Notable Power System events

Research and Development Challenges

The challenges in developing resilient and quickly restorable transmission systems are intensifying as the power sector undergoes major transformations. Restoring power after major outages introduces further complexity. Recovery strategies range from “top-down” methods using stable external voltage sources to “bottom-up” approaches that rely on local black-start generators operating under weak network conditions. Addressing these challenges requires advanced simulation and optimization tools that can handle the complexity of multi-stage restoration and are supported by accurate, well-validated system models. Operational readiness, through regular training and well-documented restoration procedures is equally essential. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary combination of modernized infrastructure, intelligent control systems, robust modeling capabilities, and prepared operators will be needed to make the transmission grid resilient to disruptions and enable rapid, safe restoration when outages occur. EPRI TOP team is addressing the needs of transmission system planners and operators by developing improved tools and processes that minimize effect of high-impact, low-frequency events, cyber-attacks, malicious actors and others, and aid in faster recovery following major outages or blackouts.

EPRI’s team continues to provide support for planning and executing restoration actions. 

In the years to come, we intend to focus on:

  • Assess role of emerging and alternate technologies such as renewable resources, energy storage, nuclear power plants, distributed energy resources, during abnormal power system conditions and system restoration.
  • Develop tools that can help restoration planning and operations staff in developing, validating, testing and implementing system restoration plans.
  • Develop tools that can help restoration planning staff in identifying blackstart capable generating resource needs.
  • Develop methods and processes to improve transmission system resiliency under extreme events such as Geomagnetic Disturbances (GMD), Electromagnetic Pulse (EMP), extreme weather, loss of normal communications, etc.
  • Utilize AI-based data analytics methods leveraging archived and real-time data for improved situational awareness and managing complex conditions.
  • Effective dissemination of information on recent blackout events and application of lessons learned to enhance preparedness and response strategies.

Related Projects

Role of IBR in restoration

Inverter-based resources (IBRs), such as battery storage with advanced inverters, are increasingly essential for restoring power systems, especially as reliance on renewables grows. They offer the ability to restart grid segments after blackouts, responding quickly to system needs and stabilizing frequency and voltage—even in weak networks. While their deployment requires careful control strategies and operator training, IBRs are transitioning from a supporting role to a core element in modern system restoration, enabling grids to recover more rapidly from outages. We have assisted members to explore integration of IBR in restoration strategies.

System blackout analysis

Recently, our team has completed several projects involving independent expert reviews of failure analysis studies conducted after major blackout events. Working with system operators in Chile and Spain, who are required by regulation to investigate and report on significant disturbances, we have evaluated both preliminary and final root cause analysis reports. These reviews covered all key aspects of the incidents, including pre-event system conditions, the sequence of events during the outage, restoration efforts, and the underlying causes of the failures. Drawing on our expertise in power system operations, planning, protection, and restoration, we have provided impartial, in-depth assessments of the processes and methodologies used in these studies. Our work included critical evaluations of the technical soundness of conclusions and recommendations, often supported by requests for additional data and technical exchanges between our subject matter experts and client teams. We have also examined and provided feedback on proposed facility audit recommendations arising from these studies, ensuring they are targeted, actionable, and aligned with the identified root causes. Through these efforts, we have helped system operators improve the quality of their post-event analyses, enhance compliance, and strengthen the resilience and reliability of their power systems.

Related Deliverables

Addressing State Estimation Divergence

3002033086

Introduces a non-divergent SE framework designed to maintain robustness when state estimators fail.

Emergency Operations Challenges

3002033087

Survey to capture expert perspectives on critical aspects of grid resilience and restoration.

Adequacy of UFLS in Modern Power Systems

3002032929

Provides a comprehensive analysis of the adequacy, design, challenges, and future requirements of underfrequency load shedding (UFLS) schemes in modern low‑inertia power system

Role of IBR in Restoration

3002032931

Highlights the challenges and potential solutions associated with black-start restoration from offshore wind resources.

Area Leads