Uses of precise time and frequency in power systems

The author discusses the need for accurate time coordination in the generation and distribution of electric power. He points out that the efficiency of present electric power systems can be increased with the addition of time and frequency technology, and that the same technology is an important ingredient in new electric power systems. Knowledge of the location of a short circuit fault can speed the automatic or manual reenergizing of a transmission line. One fault location technique requires clocks synchronized to one microsecond