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Power Grid Basics

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

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 delivering different energy resources 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 advanced energy technologies are added to the U.S. power system, there is increased interest and requirements for them 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.

Resource Adequacy

Supplying enough electricity in the right locations to keep the lights on during all hours of the year.

Operational Reliability

Balancing supply and demand in real time and rapidly responding to unexpected events.

Power System Resilience

Quickly responding to and recovering from power disruptions.

Power System Protection

Protecting the power grid from faults, or abnormally high or low electrical current.


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Last Updated Aug. 27, 2025