Robust estimation methods have been successfully applied to the problem of power system state estimation in a real-time environment. The Schweppe-type GM-estimator with the Huber psi-function (SHGM) has been fully installed in conjunction with a topology processor in the EEF utility, headquartered in Fribourg, Switzerland.

Some basic concepts of maximum likelihood estimation and robust analysis are reviewed, and applied to the development of the SHGM-estimator. The algorithms used by the topology processor and state estimator are presented, and the superior performance of the SHGM-estimator over the classic weighted least squares estimator is demonstrated on the EEF network. The measurement configuration of the EEF network has been evaluated, and suggestions for its reinforcement have been proposed.