1. A control system for a distribution network having a plurality of elements including at least one producer and at least one consumer interconnected by a plurality of distribution lines and at least one switch, wherein the switch governs whether flow can occur between at least two of the other elements, the control system comprising: a plurality of autonomous control units associated with at least some of the elements of the distribution network, wherein the autonomous control units execute at least one stored program and are in communication with each other, wherein the autonomous control units are capable of sensing respective parameters of the respective elements with which the autonomous control units are associated, and wherein at least one of the autonomous control units is capable of determining an occurrence of an anomaly within the distribution network.