Analysis Framework to Investigate Power-Failure Events and Their Causes

This study aimed to address “How may location analytics enhance our understanding of power outages?” To answer the research question, we developed an analysis framework that the utility industry can use effectively to investigate power-failure events and their causes. Analysis revealed areas where power outage is statistically significant due to multiple causes. The GIS model presented in this study can help advance smart-grid reliability by, for example, elucidating a root cause of power failure, defining a solution for a blackout through data, or implementing a solution with continuous monitoring and management. In this study, we unveil the novel use of location analytics in enhancing understanding of power outages. Future work may involve connecting to virtually any type of streaming data feed and transforming GIS applications into frontline decision applications, showing power-outage incidents as they occur. GIS can be a major resource of assistance for electronic-inspection systems, to lower the duration of customer outages, improve crew response time, and reduce labor and overtime costs. Keywords—Location analytics, power-failure, GIS, Smart-grid