Earthquake Effects on Electric Power Systems

The response of electrical power systems to the San Fernando Valley earthquake of February 9, 1971, is studied. The following major recommendations have resulted from the study: (1) standards for system planning, operation, and performance should be established; (2) standards enforcement procedures should be implemented; (3) methods for modeling transmission systems should continue to be improved; (4) instrumentation to provide data to check model validity should be added; (5) special methodologies appropriate for evaluating system vulnerability to catastrophic disturbances such as earthquakes should be developed; (6) a seismic safety inspector position for earthquake related matters should be established; (7) a damage evaluation log should be established and maintained to document earthquake damage to electrical power systems; and (8) more extensive requirements for the use and security of emergency electrical power should be established.