A conceptual framework for computer-aided monitoring and assessment during system restoration using analytical tools is proposed. The basic structure is similar to one for security monitoring and assessment (ibid., vol.3, no.1, p.1-9, 1988). State estimation and the related functions, such as observability analysis, bad-data identification and external network modeling which are used in security analysis, are modified for application to system restoration monitoring. In addition to the load flows and optimal power flows that are used in security assessment, a host of analysis/optimization programs is required. These analytical tools are identified and categorized. A knowledge-based expert system architecture is suggested for synthesizing possible control sequences and to select and coordinate analysis procedures for assessing restoration plans. The conceptual design of the knowledge-based system and its interface with analytical tools are presented.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">></ETX>