How did the electric system evolve?
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”.
