Why the National Power Grid Is Outdated

Dating back to the late 1880s, the National Power Grid has a lengthy history that’s brought electricity to millions of homes. At the time, these transmission systems were incredibly innovative and welcomed by many across North America. However, with new technology and rising concerns for the environment, the National Power Grid has become a bit outdated. To understand why, one must first understand the basics of electricity.

The National Electric Grid

Electricity in its natural state is meant to be generated, stored and consumed right where it is generated. Why? Electricity in its natural state is referred to as “Direct Current” (DC). The electricity that flows to and from the national electric grid is an “Alternating Current” (AC). This allows electricity to flow more easily but it requires that the nature of the electricity be changed. This process would be much simpler if all electricity generation happened right at the home with solar panels. 

Unfortunately, during the electrical revolution – when men like Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla were empowering the world – they didn't have the technology we have today to store power right where it's needed. This left them no other option but to provide power from a distance and transport it to where it’d be consumed. Thus, the national grid was born. The national electric grid is a large power generation, distribution and electricity transportation system that has powered the country since Edison invented the light bulb. 

The Old-Fashioned Way of Getting Power 

The national power grid is an outdated power distribution system that requires billions of dollars each year just to maintain and keep up with the demand. The electrical power grid that powers Northern America is a bit like the national road system. The first road someone puts in place is usually small and narrow, built to follow the path of least resistance. In fact, some of the earliest roads built were only wide enough for what a person needed to transport on that road at that time. Of course, we have seen roads transform from tiny dirt paths into super wide, multi-lane freeways. These roads require tremendous amounts of upkeep, maintenance and expansion as need rises. The nation's power plants, power lines, substations and entire energy transport system are similar in that they all require upkeep, maintenance and expansion when there is significant growth. 

Depending on the good or service, in our economy, the more you buy or use it the better [lower] the cost will be. This is called economies of scale. This has not been the case for the cost of electricity because of the problems outlined above; the more power you use, the higher the cost will be.

In the United States, there are parts of the country that see very high costs for electricity; these are the parts of the country where growth and energy demand has been high, or where the population density is highest. In fact, the cost of electricity has risen the most in Hawaii, California and many southwestern and eastern states. In 2020, California and many northeast states saw a cost of electricity that was almost double that of more interior states. 

The affected states have large and highly dense populations which contributes to a higher rate of energy consumption. The cost of electricity is high in certain parts of the country and continues to increase as the grid ages and demand increases. More and more growth across the country has led to higher and higher energy consumption and consequently higher and higher energy prices. 

As with the national road system, the reason for the increase in cost is growth. And to handle the growth, the electric grid requires expansion. This means more power plants, bigger power lines and more robust power systems must be built.

Solar Is the Future

Most solar homes are concentrated in the affected states mentioned above. As the cost of electricity has risen, we’ve seen a drop in the costs of both solar panels and lithium ion batteries. People are turning towards solar as a cheaper, greener alternative to traditional power sources. 

Interested in learning more? Check out sparkgreenhomes.com to ditch the outdated grid and start your solar journey today.