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Electric power transmission systems

Superstorm Sandy awakens America to fragile state of power grid

Global Politics

The vast American power grid can be laid low by storms big and small. Jeffrey Leonard, CEO of an investment firm, says if the United States doesn’t start investing now, it’ll continue to face massive bills after disasters.

Energy Hearing in the House

Global Politics

The grid debate: Decentralize or expand infrastructure

Environment

Smart grid powers energy efficiency

Environment

India Power Outages: Living Through the Blackout

Environment

Begrudging the Grid

Two new books examine the public utilities that millions of Americans depend on. One author says they’re so vital they need more tax support. The other suggests decentralized utilities would be cheaper and more robust.

Paths to Power: The US Electricity Grid

The past few weeks have seen thermometer-topping temperatures in St. Louis, New York City and Southern California. Power companies have their hands full trying to manage the enormous strains on the nation’s electricity grid, and analysts say it’s not from

The World

Smart grids: what it means to boost our electrical infrastructure’s IQ

Environment

Five years ago today, a power outage blanketed parts of North America. The outage highlighted the fragility of our electricity system. And with energy demands rising, the economy in a slump and global warming fears taking center stage, ‘smart grid’ technologies could provide solutions.

The World

Smart power to the people

Environment

The city of Boulder, Colorado has a few smart grid homes already up and running. Host Steve Curwood talks with Kara Mertz, the Local Environmental Action Division Manager for Boulder about her city’s smart grid plan.