Test Your Energy IQ!

Incorrect.  The network of power plants, devices and lines that generates and distributes electricity across the country to be used by consumers is known as a power grid.

Incorrect.  Electricity is generated at a power plant, transmitted at high voltages sometimes across many miles, distributed to homes and businesses and finally used.

Incorrect.

Incorrect.  Alternating Current (AC), which reverses direction a certain number of times per second, can be converted to different voltages relatively easily using a transformer. While electricity is predominantly AC, especially on the distribution side, there are some transmission lines in North America that are high-voltage Direct Current (DC) lines. In addition, a number of technologies such as PVs, electric vehicles, LEDs and computers are all DC.

Incorrect.  The answer is 3.

Incorrect.  The two major interconnections are the Eastern & Western Interconnections. The third is the Texas Interconnected system, which covers most of Texas.

Incorrect.  Not only is severe weather the number one cause of power outages, but that number is expected to rise as climate change increases the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. Preparing for the challenges posed by climate change requires investment in 21st century technology that will increase the resiliency and reliability of the grid.

Incorrect.  While the grid is getting more and more technologically advanced, we haven’t quite gone “back to the future.”

Incorrect.  The enhanced visibility into grid conditions provided by synchrophasors helps grid operators identify and respond to deteriorating or abnormal conditions more quickly.

Incorrect.  A brown out is a reduction or restriction of electrical power in a certain area.  Brown outs sometimes occur when there is a heavy load on the grid. New technologies that improve reliability are helping to prevent brown outs and blackouts.