How Power Is Restored

Early Detection of Power Outage and Quick Recovery

Kansai Transmission and Distribution has introduced an automated power distribution system to restore electric power as soon as possible in the event of a power outage. The automated power distribution system automatically isolates the section where the cause of the power outage is located, in order to quickly and automatically restore power to other sectors.

After the power outage cause section has been determined, a work team is dispatched to the site to investigate the cause of the accident and perform work to restore the section to its normal status.

Automatic recovery made by automated power distribution system

Example: a tree branch has temporarily come into contact with a distribution line

* The illustration shows a simplified version of the power distribution system. Actual systems will be different.

[1] In the section between electric poles (3) and (4), the branch of a tree temporarily contacts the distribution line due to wind.

[2] A switch located in the substation automatically interrupts power transmission to all sections.

[3] After a power outage of 1 minute, the switch in the substation automatically restores power transmission. If the cause of the power outage (tree branch contacting distribution line) has been removed, power to all sections is automatically restored.

Partial automatic recovery and early detection of power outage cause made by automated power distribution system

Example: a tree has fallen and cut a distribution line

[1] In the section between electric poles (3) and (4), a tree has collapsed and cut the distribution line. A switch located in the substation automatically cuts power transmission to all sections from electric pole (1) to electric pole (6).

[2] After a power outage of 1 minute, the switch in the substation automatically restores power transmission, proceeding sequentially from electric pole (1).

[3] If the cause of the power outage past electric pole (3) has not been removed, power transmission to electric pole (4) and beyond is not possible. This causes the switch of the substation to again cut power transmission to all sections.

[4] The section where the power outage cause is located has now been determined. The switch automatically locks out the section from electric poles (3) to (4) and separates it from the other sections.

[5] At the same time, the linked substation B automatically starts power transmission to the sections between electric poles (4), (5), and (6). The power for the sections between electric poles (1), (2), and (3) is transmitted by substation A, and the power to all normal sections is now restored.

Recovery Flow

A work team is dispatched to the site where the cause of a power outage is located. After investigating the cause of the accident, recovery work is performed while keeping the extent of the power outage section as small as possible.

[1] Investigation of damage states and its cause

The status of the facility is assessed to determine the extent of the damage and power outage cause.

[2] Security measures

If there are hazardous locations, these are zoned off and temporary countermeasures are taken to ensure public safety.

[3] In order to minimize the power outage area, recovery proceeds according to the following sequence.

[3-1] Restore electric pole

Emergency measures are taken by reinstalling the toppled electric pole vertically with cranes or the like, providing a support pillar and attaching the pole to it with metal fittings, or similar.

[3-2] Restore high-voltage distribution line

Restoring the high-voltage distribution line enables power outage recovery over a wider area (without facility damage).

[3-3] Restore transformer

Restore the transformer to enable power outage recovery for customers who have no damage to service lines.

[3-4] Restore service lines

Finally, restore the service lines that connect the respective buildings with the power distribution facility to enable power outage recovery for customers whose service lines had been damaged.

Preventing Power Outages

Kansai Transmission and Distribution conducts regular daily patrols with the aim of early detection of possible faults or damage to power distribution lines. We also systematically renew our power distribution facilities based on maintenance data to prevent power outages before they arise.

We are aware of our mission and continuously make efforts as a company in charge of a crucial lifeline—bringing light to the daily life of customers.

Even if you find any dangling electric wire or leaning electric pole, never approach it as there is an extreme risk of electric shock or other injury.
Please contact the number shown below.

Inquiry/notification hotline regarding Kansai Transmission and Distribution electrical facilities

Transmission and Distribution Contact Center

TEL. 0800-777-3081 (toll-free)

Hours: Mon–Fri 9:00–17:00 (except Saturday, Sunday, public holidays, year-end and New Year holidays)

  • * We also respond to power outage inquiries and other emergency matters outside of the operating hours.
  • * Please understand that line may be busy at times.
  • * Some IP phone models may not be able to connect to this number. In that case, please call 050-3085-3081 (call fee charged).
  • * Please carefully check the phone number when making an inquiry, to avoid calling the wrong number.