Foreword for the special section on synchrophasor applications in power systems

The use of synchronized phasor measurements to improve power system protection, control, and operation is briefly summarized. The appearance of the terms "synchrophasor" and "phasor measurement unit (or PMU)" in the IEEE\´s engineering literature is discussed. This special section on synchrophasor applications in power systems is composed of 14 papers, submitted from North and South America, Europe, and Asia, which cover three major areas: (1) state and parameter estimation; (2) stability assessment and control; and (3) load shedding, service restoration, and islanding issues. A brief summary of each contribution is then provided.