In 2000, the National Academy of Engineering named modern power
grids the top engineering technology of the 20th century. This
designation is remarkable considering that the first utility in
1880 provided electricity to fewer than a hundred New York City
residents. Today, nearly everyone in the United States and many
around the world have universal access to electric power. In
just 130 years, the power grid has seen fundamental changes and
growth. It’s transitioned from operating on direct current (DC)
to alternating current (AC), it’s been internationally
standardized to operate on the 240/120-volt current, it’s been
regulated, deregulated, monopolized and shared, and now it
includes digital technology to speed delivery and control to
consumers. But no matter the changes, one thing remains
constant. The power grid is an essential resource that must be
protected against natural and man-made threats. That’s where we
come in. At Idaho National Laboratory, we’ve pioneered energy
generation, transmission and dist