FAQs

The combination of transmission lines, power plants, and substations is often referred to as the electric grid of the United States or "the grid." The Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) manages the electric grid in the middle of the country, covering 17 states.

The U.S. electric grid has millions of miles of transmission and distribution lines that are strategically placed all over the nation to bring power to where it is needed. Transmission lines are like the highways that allow power to flow from large generators to cities and towns. Distribution lines are like city roads distributing the power throughout our cities and towns to individual homes and businesses. However, with 70% of these lines being over 25 years old, the American Society of Civil Engineers gave America's power grid a rating of D+. This proves that the U.S. needs to make significant transmission infrastructure upgrades to keep up with the changing demand for electricity and different forms of energy.