Limits in modeling power grid topology

Because of their importance to infrastructure, a number of studies have examined the structural properties of power grids and have proposed random topological models of them. We examine the ability to create generalized models of power grid structure by comparing real data sets to see where inherent modeling limitations occur. We then propose a possible mechanism for why these networks differ in their structure, and the implications these differences have in creating power grid models. Finally, we introduce a new model for power grids with a radial-style architecture.