What Is the National Power Grid?
In the United States, the national power grid refers to the interconnected system of electricity production and use. Scientists and government officials are beginning to question the aging infrastructure and reliability of the national power grid.
Other People Are Reading
-
Components
-
The national power grid consists of producers and consumers of electricity. The national power grid starts with the source of production, which is a power plant. Electricity is created here and transferred to a generator step up transformer that in turn transfers high voltage electricity to a power substation where it is converted and supplied for residential, commercial and industrial use. It is this complex web of supply and demand of electricity over large areas that makes up the national power grid.
Function
-
The U.S. Power Grid consists of three major grids: the Eastern Grid, the Western Grid and the Texas Grid. Electricity is bought and sold within the grid between providers and consumers like any other commodity in a capitalist system. Power plants provide electricity within a given area depending upon the demand at a certain time. Peak demand time is during daytime hours; low demand time is during the night when most people are sleeping.
-
Significance
-
The national power grid is the foundation of how electricity is supplied throughout the country. If a major surge or problem happens, a massive blackout can occur, such as the one in the northeastern U.S. and Canada in 2003. It is also thought that an aging or weak national power grid could pose a national security threat, as large swathes of the country could have power cut out if one important grid section is compromised.
Potential
-
The relative old age of the national power grid has caused many to question its reliability and security. The infrastructure of the national power grid is deteriorating. Scientists and government agencies, such as the U.S. Department of Energy are looking to create a "smart grid" where power supply can more efficiently meet the growing demands of the 21st century.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Centrale et pylônes image by lamax from Fotolia.com
