Power Dispatcher how-to

How to Restore an Outage by Switching

Switching can restore customers quickly.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
Quick answer

Switching can restore customers quickly. In short: locate; isolate; check, then complete the remaining steps below.

Step by step

  1. Locate the faulted section.

  2. Isolate it.

  3. Check alternate feed capacity.

  4. Close switches to restore.

  5. Confirm customer restoration.

  6. Dispatch repairs.

Safety reminders for power dispatchers

  • Use peer-checked switching orders
  • Require repeat-backs on every instruction
  • Track clearances and grounds carefully
  • Follow NERC and company procedures

SCADA · EMS · Load · Feeder · Switching order · Clearance: see the full power dispatcher glossary.

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