DC systems are far more stable. Of course, there is a penalty in converting AC from the generators into DC for transmission and DC back to AC for distribution. It might be possible to develop ripple-free high voltage DC generators that are just as efficient as AC generators. I suspect that the increased stability would be worth the cost.

The reason why DC grids are more stable than AC grids is that DC grids do not require phase synchronization. AC generators must be sychronized with each other. When one unit has a sudden change of load, it can not simply speed up or slow down, for to do so would put it out of phase with the rest of the grid. It therefore keeps on generating power which has to go somewhere, producing overloads elsewhere in the grid.

DC systems can be protected against transients by means of large batteries or capacitors. (Yes, batteries and capacitors of sufficient size can be built and operated.) The batteries or capacitors prevent any rapid change of voltage, thereby damping out transients.

Of course, there are other possible technical fixes for the problem, but I prefer DC transmission because it is very stable.

Will this, or anything else be done to prevent another balckout?

Not a chance. The electrical utilities are committed to doing things the same way tomorrow as they did yesterday.

David F Mayer