We take it for granted although we use it everyday. But very few people know much about it.

The power grid affects us all, no matter where we live or what we do. Even those who are living “off the grid” rely in some way on the grid for at least some of their resources, tools, equipment, or other materials they use, whether indirectly or not.

Nevertheless, although the power grid plays a significant role in our lives, the subject admittedly is not one that keeps us up late at night turning the pages to see how the story ends.

However, given the rapidly expanding interest in everything from renewable and cleaner forms of energy, to smarter ways to manage the grid and minimize costs, to new business opportunities and technological innovations associated with power generation and distribution, we think there is every reason to believe that the power grid is quickly ascending in both popularity and criticality.

A primary part of our mission here at GridWatch is to provide resources and information to help people connect with and learn more about something that is destined to play an increasingly important role in their lives.

Most of us are familiar with the phrase: “knowledge is power.” Through the various introductions to the grid mentioned below, one of our primary aims in putting this list together has been to provide readers with resources that can lead them to greater knowledge about power, the power of the grid.

So, on with our favorites. And, if you have some others of your own that you think others should know about, please let us know.

1. U.S. Department of Energy: “The Electricity Grid System”

A simple, helpful 6-page introduction to the power grid. Although the primary focus is on transmission and distribution, the drawings and charts provide a very accessible resource that will benefit anyone new to the power grid. A good place to start, this resource is associated with DOE’s GridWorks Website. Access it here.

2. How Stuff Works: “The U.S. Power Grid Explained”

Another introductory multi-part article, including a short video to help the neophyte learn how the power grid works, from the power plant to the house. Also includes links to articles designed to help you learn how such things as batteries and solar cells work. Instructive and comprehensive. Get to it here.

3. University of Illinois: “TCIP Education: The Power Grid”

Here is an interesting series of interactive applets on power, energy, the power grid, power economics and emissions, and wind and storage. In addition to the applets, each of these includes tutorials, a quick start guide, as well as a set of lessons with questions beneficial to beginners. Interesting and productive concept. Begin here.

Note: we’ve tested these applets on several different browsers and Internet Explorer appears to be the only one that can run them.

4. NPR Series: “Power Hungry: Reinventing the U.S. Grid”

Last year (2009) National Public Radio held a series of programs on the U.S. power grid. For now, the audios and summary texts for the series are still available and well worth your time. A large array of topics and viewpoints are addressed, from the existing and aging infrastructure of the electrical power grid, the promise of renewable and cleaner energy sources, new technologies to help manage changes on the way, as well as training and career opportunities. Some of the costs and potential problems of various approaches to “reinventing” the grid are also discussed. Check it out here.

5. American Progress: “Wired for Progress 2.0″

One of the subjects addressed by the Center for American Progress is that of developing the clean-energy smart power grid of the future. Among several reports available on its Website related to this is the one entitled “Wired for Progress 2.0″, as a very accessible yet moderately comprehensive resource that does an admirable job of defining and addressing several important and difficult issues related to a complex subject. Be sure to check out their other resources as well. This one is here.

6. U.S. Department of Energy: “GridWorks Multi-Year Plan”

A significant extension to the early 6-page introduction mentioned earlier, this 38-page document provides a plan for the future U.S. Power grid through 2025. As with the publication by the Center for American Progress, this one by the Department of Energy is worth a review as well, especially for the purpose of gaining insight into DOE’s plan. Find it here.

7. U.S. Department of Energy: “A Primer on Electric Utilities, Deregulation, and Restructuring of U.S. Electricity Markets”

Although a little dated and slower going, the primer nevertheless provides a good in-depth look at our power grid, electric utilities and various associated power markets. Most useful as a reference work. You can locate it here.

8. National Council on Electricity Policy – “Electricity Transmission: A Primer”

Similar in its technical level and content to DOE’s primer on electric utilities, this primer is worthy for review and reference, especially for gaining a better understanding of the electrical transmission network in the U.S. Get a copy here.

Honorable Mentions

1. National Power Grid Simulation Workshop: “National Power Grid Simulation Capability“
2. The Edison Foundation: “Transforming America’s Power Industry“
3. U.S. Department of Energy: “The Smart Grid: An Introduction“

Tagged as: department of energy, DOE, electricity, electricity grid, energy sources, grid system, NPR, power generation, TCIP, technological innovations, U.S. Department of Energy