Abstract: A method and system for processing and disseminating utility outage information is disclosed. In response to the receipt of new data in the form of events, the data is mapped into a geographic information system and transmitted to selected recipients, or subscribers. Each subscriber has one or more areas of interest that define the information it receives. Each subscriber also has a security classification that further defines the information it may receive as well as the subscriber's ability to trigger events, or update the outage information. The mechanism of the invention employs multiple ways of disseminating the information. A subscriber may request that updated information be sent to the subscriber in response to a subscriber's request. Alternatively, the subscriber may request that updated information be automatically transmitted to the subscriber when updated information is received.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for determining the probable location of a fault causing a power outage in a power distribution system (20) having a power distribution grid (22) and a control station (24), the power distribution grid comprising a power source (26) connected to a plurality of terminal nodes (28) by grid branches (30), and corresponding protective devices (32), whose operation minimizes the deleterious effects of power outages. More specifically, method and apparatus are provided for determining distribution system information based on the power distribution grid (22). For each report that is thereafter received of a new power outage, a set of protective devices (32) that possibly operated in response to the fault is identified by upstream tracing from the terminal node (28) to the power source (26). Using "fuzzy set" theory, the possibility that each protective device operated is calculated.

Abstract: A method of designing a utility distribution system. The method begins with lot data that geographically defines lots in an area to which the utility will be provided. The lot data is stored in a computer in a geographic information system (GIS). The lot data is then computer processed to determine routing data identifying a network of potential utility supply routes, and to produce site data identifying a plurality of placement sites for distribution devices such as transformers for an electrical distribution system. The routing and site data is also stored in the computer. The lot potential routing and site data is then mapped into equivalent expert system objects, and processed using an expert system to produce actual routing data specifying, for each lot, a route along which the lot can be connected to a distribution device, and the size of the required conductor. The routing data may then be mapped back into the GIS.