Performance Assessment of the Florida Electric-Power Network System against Hurricanes

This study aims to describe the regional performance of electric-power distribution systems against hurricane hazards with theories based on the uncertainty. The uniqueness of this study is that damage-assessment models are proposed along with each device, and that customer minutes interrupted (MI) are estimated. Trees are revealed as the most likely cause of power outages. Wind momentum and rainfall are also verified as harmful elements. To assess the extent of damage, the number of device breaks and the customer MI could be assessed with statistical and stochastic models. The proposed model using two estimable models is examined and validated to describe power outages. Power disturbances are limitedly described for the territories of the Progress Energy in Florida. However, the proposed model could be applied to predict power outages of the more extensive areas. Furthermore, it can be used to identify zones that are vulnerable to or safe from hurricanes with a hurricane-simulation model. (C) 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.