A method of self-healing power grids after power outages includes providing an Adaptive Restoration Decision Support System (ARDSS) for generating a restoration solution using static and dynamic input data from power generator(s) powering transmission lines, from the transmission lines and loads. At a beginning of a restoration period a two-stage problem is solved including a first and second-stage problem with an optimal planning (OP) function as a mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) problem using initial static and dynamic data to determine start-up times for the power generator and energization sequences for transmission lines involved in the power outage. Only the second-stage problem is again solved with an optimal real-time (OR) function using the start-up times and energization sequences along with updated static and dynamic data to determine operating parameters for the grid. The restoration solution is implemented over restoration time steps until all loads involved in the power outage are recovered.