A methodology for simulating power system vulnerability to cascading failures in the steady state

Simulations of power system conditions and event sequences leading to either local or widespread blackout has acquired increasing importance following wide-impact network collapses that have occurred over the past several years in North America and Europe. This paper summarizes an analytical framework that has been developed, implemented, and practically used by Southern Company to evaluate system vulnerability to cascading failures using the steady state model. This methodology was first used by Southern Company in 1999. The studies performed at Southern Company have already influenced and motivated certain transmission development projects. Future improvements to the method could include better modeling and sequencing of cascading steps, including time sequence of failures using equipment response time. Significant interest exists in developing preventive methods and procedures and in the application of this technology in the infrastructure security arena. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.