Power Grid Basics

The power grid is the complex network of power sources, transmission lines, and distribution lines that brings electricity to your home.

Text version

The U.S. power grid is often called “the greatest engineering achievement of the 20th century." It is made up of millions of miles of power lines connecting resources such as solar, wind, and hydropower to communities around the country.

Power Grid Reliability

Many grid services are required to maintain reliable power, even during unexpected outages. These services are provided at different timescales and serve different purposes on the grid. As more renewable energy such as wind and solar are added to the U.S. power system, there is increased interest and requirements for it to provide essential reliability services during normal operation and during and after major power disruptions.

Learn about different aspects of grid operations and the ability of the power system to reliably keep the lights on as we transition to clean energy.

Interested in learning more about the reliability of the power grid? Check out our fact sheets.

Maintaining Grid Reliability – Lessons From Renewable Integration Studies

Reliability of the Current Power Grid

Causes of Three Recent Major Blackouts and What Is Being Done in Response

Maintaining a Reliable Future Grid With More Wind and Solar

Fundamentals of Power Grid Reliability and Clean Electricity

Check out all our fact sheets on the power grid.