As modern society has become increasingly reliant on electricity, disturbances to the power supply system have become a worldwide industry concern. The range and impact of disturbances are addressed in this comprehensive account of the planning, operation and control of power systems during emergencies. * The impact of a full range of power system emergency situations from adverse weather conditions and natural disasters to equipment failures, human errors and industrial action. * Detailed coverage of the procedures, organisation, training and equipment provided by utilities in order to contain the incidence and impact of disturbances, both sudden and predicted. * Survey of the measures adopted to restore electricity supply from various levels of failure. * The development of abnormal operating conditions: descriptions of actual power system failures and their impacts. * Discussion of the costs and benefits associated with emergency control. * Emergency control in the future - the impact of industry restructuring and deregulation and the new challenges facing utilities and their staff. Offering a clear and concise treatment of the cause, effect and prevention of power system emergencies, this timely book will appeal to utility managers, power engineers, consultants and practitioners involved in, and reliant upon, the electricity supply industry.