What is the power grid?

Hi lidada,

"The power gird" is a term that was thrown around a lot in the days
since the big blackout in the eastern US.  Being from New York, I've
heard it on the radio and television much mroe than is pleasant...but
what does it really refer to?

This question is best answered by the glossery definition I found from
the website of an energy advisory firm, JHP Associates.  It states:

"The power grid refers to the network of high-voltage transmissions
lines along which power moves.  In the United States, there are three
distinct electric power grids.  They are: the Eastern interconnection,
the Texas Interconnection, and the Western Systems Coordinating
Council.  In addition, certain regions of the US import electric power
from the Canadian Grid.  The North American Electricity Reliability
Council (NERC) estimates that on the North American Continent, the
electric power transmission network consists of approximately 147,000
miles of lines operating at a minimum of 230 kilovolts.  Electric
utilities own more than 80 percent of the North American electric
power transmission network."
[ http://www.jhpassociates.com/JHP%20Associates%20LLP/TermsNDefinitions.htm#G
]

A great yet simple explanation of "the power grid" and power
distribution in general can also be found on this page (and the
subsequent ones after the "next" button at the bottom):
[ http://www.howstuffworks.com/power.htm ]

I hope this information has answered your question.  If a
clarification of the answer is necessary, feel free to request one,
especially before rating this answer.  Thank you for bringing your
question to us!

Sincerely,
Andrewxmp


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