This paper describes a recently developed predictive out-of-step protection system. The purpose of this protection system is to prevent total system collapse caused by step-out between large-capacity generator groups due to a serious fault in the trunk transmission line of Tokyo Electric Power Co. This is accomplished by using online data collected during the incubation phase to predict a step-out and then issuing a system separation command. This system has the following characteristics: The phase difference between several large generator groups is measured from online voltage data collected from substation busbars in the vicinity of the generators at a sampling rate of 600Hz; • The phase difference at 200 ms in the future is predicted from the above measured phase difference data; and • If the predicted phase difference exceeds the instability threshold value, system separation is performed taking into account the power supply and demand balance after tripping. The present system has been operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co. since February, 1989. © 1990 IEEE