Short Wave The Power Grid Problem
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Jun 23, 2025 
Anjan Bose, an esteemed electrical engineer and professor at Washington State University, discusses the critical state of the U.S. power grid. He highlights the grid's aging infrastructure and the growing demand exacerbated by climate change. The conversation covers the urgent need for modernization and resilience against extreme weather impacts. Bose also addresses the shift from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, emphasizing the balance between reliability and sustainability in future upgrades.
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Edison's First Grid Anecdote
- Thomas Edison initially built the electric grid by connecting rich mansions in southern Manhattan.
- He installed a generator and wired these mansions to provide electricity.
Origins of the Grid's Connectivity
- Connecting multiple power companies created major advantages such as shared power sources and backup options.
- By the 1930s and '40s, most of the U.S. and large continents were connected into what we call the grid.
Maintaining Aging Infrastructure
- The first challenge for the power grid is maintaining and upgrading aging infrastructure.
- Equipment like generators and transformers usually last 30 to 40 years and need replacement or maintenance.