Complex emergency control system against blackouts in Russia

Emergency control is an inherent part of operating control of electric power systems. The paper describes the experience gained by the Unified Energy System (UES) of Russia, its emergency control arrangements and components. The UES control system represents a hierarchical structure of dispatch centers with a clear separation of the all-system and local normal and emergency grid control responsibilities. In the UES emergency control system, there are several ldquolines of defenserdquo starting from the preventive arrangements and operating procedures, ending by local automatic protection devices. Some elements this system may not be widely known in western countries. Meanwhile, over the many years Russia developed set of advanced solutions to address power grid problems similar to the ones that appears now in western countries.