In one embodiment, a method includes obtaining information relating to a steady state operation of a portion of an electrical network, the electrical network including a plurality of components, the information being obtained from the plurality of components while the portion of the electrical network is operating at steady state, wherein the information is obtained through a communications network that at least partially overlays the electrical network. The method also includes detecting a fault in the electrical network, isolating the location of the fault, and restoring the electrical network. The fault is detected by at least a first component of the plurality of components. Restoring the electrical network includes determining when the first component owns the fault. Determining when the first component owns the fault includes at least processing the information obtained from the plurality of components.