Why is isolating substation buses and load feeders crucial during the restoration process?

Isolating substation buses and load feeders during the restoration process is crucial primarily because it minimizes potential escalation to another blackout. During restoration, the electrical system is in a vulnerable state, and unintentional interactions between different parts of the system can lead to further instability. By isolating sections of the network, operators can manage and control the flow of electricity more effectively, ensuring that any faults or overloads do not propagate and result in cascading failures.

This approach allows operators to assess the health of the system, restore segments gradually, and reintroduce loads in a controlled manner. By taking such precautions, the likelihood of another widespread outage is significantly reduced, thereby maintaining system reliability and safety for consumers. In essence, isolation acts as a safeguard against the inadvertent revival of destructive conditions that could lead to a repeat of previous failures.