Q: What is electricity?
A: Electricity is the flow of electrical charge. It is a basic part of nature and one of our most widely used forms of energy. Everyday, we use electricity to do many jobs for us – from lighting and heating/cooling our homes, to powering our televisions and computers. More information >

Q: Where does electricity come from?
A: Electricity is a secondary energy source which means that we get it from the conversion of other sources of energy, like coal, natural gas, oil, nuclear power and other natural sources, which are called primary sources. The energy sources we use to make electricity can be renewable (such as wind or solar) or non-renewable, but electricity itself is neither renewable nor non-renewable.

Q: What is the "grid"?
A: The "grid", or transmission system, is the interconnected group of power lines and associated equipment for moving electric energy at high voltage between points of supply and points at which it is delivered to other electric systems or transformed to a lower voltage for delivery to customers.

Q: How much electricity does a typical household use?
A: A household's electricity usage varies significantly, throughout both the day and the year. Typically, electricity usage will peak in the summer (due to air conditioning load). During the day, it will tend to be greatest in the late afternoon when people return home from work, they adjust their thermostats, and begin preparing dinner. The amount of electricity a customer uses over time is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

On average, a typical household in the United States uses 920 kWh of electricity per month, with appliances accounting for 64.7% of electricity consumption. Other statistics and electricity quick facts.

Q: How did the electric system evolve?
A: When the electric system began over 120 years ago (starting with Pearl Street Station in NYC in 1885), generating plants were isolated and served dedicated customers. Over the next 50 years, "utilities" began linking multiple generating plants into isolated systems. By the mid-1930's, it was clear that connections between systems could bring additional reliability. They provided access to back-up generation in times of equipment failure, unexpected demand, or routine maintenance, as well as improved economics through reserve sharing and access to diverse energy resources. By the mid-1960's, the electric system had been transformed from isolated generators to an interregional "grid".

Q: What does the future look like?
A: One thing is certain – the future involves you. Despite strong efficiency improvements, average household consumption is expected to increase significantly over the next several decades. This will place stress on our existing infrastructure and highlight the need for additional investment in America's electric future. To address these energy challenges in an environmentally sustainable way will require creativity and innovation.

Q: Who owns the electric system?
A: Investor-owned utilities account for ownership of over 50% of net generation and almost 80% of transmission. Public-owned utilities and cooperatives, along with the Federal power agencies, account for approximately 25% of net generation and almost all of the remaining transmission. Independent power producers account for the remaining 25% of net generation.

Q: Who runs the grid?
A: There are many individuals involved in running the grid. There are generator operators and transmission owners. But from a system perspective, one of the most critical entities is the independent system operator or regional transmission organizations (ISOs and RTOs). They monitor system loads and voltage profiles; operate transmission facilities and direct generation; define operating limits and develop contingency plans; and implement emergency procedures.

Reliability coordinators also play an essential role. For instance, NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) develops and enforces reliability standards; monitors the bulk power system; assesses future adequacy; audits owners, operators, and users for preparedness; and educates and trains industry personnel.

Q: Who uses electricity?
A: There are over 140 million customers of electricity. They can be divided into 3 categories: residential (122 million customers; 37% electricity sales); commercial (17 million; 35% sales); and industrial (<1 million; 28% sales).

Q: How can I improve my energy use?
A: You have already taken the first step – you are thinking about your energy use and ways that your action can not only save you money but also secure America's energy future. It can be as simple as replacing your old incandescent lightbulb with a compact fluorescent.