The Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) has been studying the problem of disturbances in the grid that result in cascading failures, and is developing new computer models to improve response to such disturbances. These models respond to disturbances by breaking up a large section of the grid into smaller “islands”. This interrupts cascading failures and speeds restoration of service. In successful tests, the models detected simulated problems, calculated the likely domino effects, and remotely tripped circuit breakers to isolate the disturbances and create islands. The models then balanced supply and demand within the islands by reducing power plant output or creating controlled brownouts.
EPRI expects to put the models in control of actual emergency responses by 2005, when efforts to retrofit the US grid with electronic controls and sensors should be further advanced.