Role of distributed generation in reinforcing the critical electric power infrastructure

Distributed generation has the potential to improve the security of the electric power infkwtructure in many ways, includ~ the possibility of deliberate operation of the powel grid in small islands centered around critical installations. Once the effects of disturbances (random or intentional) are isolated to an island or two, existing technology could then be used to track down and eliminate the source of the disturbance. Such a scenario will require the development of a control and command infkstructure around critical installations to sense the presence of a disturbancedattack in any fo~ initiate the iskmding process, and start distributed generators as needed to maintain acceptable operational levels.