Throughline The Electrical Grid (2020)
Dec 30, 2021
Thomas Edison, a prolific inventor known for revolutionizing electricity and creating the light bulb, discusses the tumultuous early days of the electrical grid. He shares insights about the fierce rivalry with Nikola Tesla during the Current War, revealing how direct current clashed with alternating current. Edison recounts the public's fear surrounding electricity, showcased by the first electric chair execution. He emphasizes the monumental struggle to modernize the grid while navigating the societal impacts and dangers of this powerful force, shaping our energy future.
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2003 Blackout
- In Akron, Ohio, 2003, a lightning strike caused a dishwasher to explode, leading to a cascading power failure.
- Untrimmed trees and software bugs in the control room exacerbated the issue, causing a blackout across eight states.
Grid Fragility
- The 2003 blackout revealed the fragility of interconnected grids.
- Small problems can multiply, causing cascading failures across large areas.
Grid History
- The current electrical grid developed over 130 years, shaped by market forces.
- This system, while widespread, doesn't always benefit consumers.
