The response of electrical power systems to the San Fernando Valley earthquake of February 9, 1971, is studied. The following major recommendations have resulted from the study: (1) standards for system planning, operation, and performance should be established; (2) standards enforcement procedures should be implemented; (3) methods for modeling transmission systems should continue to be improved; (4) instrumentation to provide data to check model validity should be added; (5) special methodologies appropriate for evaluating system vulnerability to catastrophic disturbances such as earthquakes should be developed; (6) a seismic safety inspector position for earthquake related matters should be established; (7) a damage evaluation log should be established and maintained to document earthquake damage to electrical power systems; and (8) more extensive requirements for the use and security of emergency electrical power should be established.