The restoration of an electric power system: International survey and discussion of possible innovative enhancements for the Italian system

The present paper reports the main results of a comprehensive international survey that, on behalf of the Italian independent system operator, the authors have carried out into the main strategies, critical issues and practical experiences related to the restoration plans of a wide set of deregulated systems worldwide. For many ISOs, people directly involved in designing, testing and updating restoration plans have been contacted and interviewed, in order to focus general issues and to outline common improvement trends.Taking the international survey as a starting point, the paper also proposes and discusses possible innovative enhancements being studied for the Italian system, aimed at increasing the effectiveness of the restoration service.