The U.S. power grid is an electrical system that connects the producers of electricity to the consumers through power lines and facilities. The grid is comprised of generating stations where mass quantities of electricity are produced, however these massive quantities of electricity need to be produced simultaneously to keep the grid stable because large amounts of electricity are not able to be store effectively and efficiently. Along with the generating stations, the large transmission lines actually transport the electricity from producer to consumer. These power lines do lose some of the electricity throughout the process or transporting it, but we are able to increase the voltage on these lines which allows us to increase the amount of power being transported. This increase in the carrying capacity of these transmission lines makes the transmission of electricity more efficient. The electricity itself has varying ways in which it is created and produced. The main ways include using coal, hydroelectric, and natural gas. In the U.S. there are three power grids operating constantly, so we do not have a nation wide grid.

 

The emerging Smart Grid is a new way we are starting to deliver electricity and information between consumer and producer. The new grid system is a two-way communication network between the producer and consumer or electricity. Simply put, making the grid “smart” is just saying that we are computerizing the power network. The Smart Grid allows the power industry monitor the grid and system more closely because of the information they receive back from each consumer. This advancement creates a quicker and more efficient way to transport electricity with a more simple way to detect outages and fix them. Some pros to the Smart Grid are being able to use and handle the power produced from wind and solar sources, lower prices for electricity consumption, and easier ways for larger consumers to monitor and maintain a desired level of consumption. Some of the cons include an expensive rebuilding of the grid and hackers that may get into the system and tamper with meters because of the advance in technological networks that would be implemented in the new Smart Grid.

http://www.eia.gov/energy_in_brief/article/power_grid.cfm

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrical_grid

http://energy.gov/oe/services/technology-development/smart-grid

https://electrical-systems-lighting.knoji.com/pros-and-cons-of-the-smart-grid/