A History of the United States Electric Grid

by Douglas Donovan

From Edison's First Light Bulb to Today's Smart Grid

Discover the extraordinary story behind the infrastructure that powers modern America in this comprehensive exploration of the United States electrical grid. From Thomas Edison's pioneering Pearl Street Station in 1882 to today's interconnected network spanning over 160,000 miles of transmission lines, this book traces the remarkable evolution of one of humanity's greatest engineering achievements.

A Journey Through Electrical HistoryA History of the United States Electric Grid takes readers through the pivotal moments that shaped our electrical infrastructure. Witness the fierce "War of Currents" between Edison's direct current and Westinghouse's alternating current systems, explore the transformative impact of rural electrification that brought power to 90% of American farms by the 1950s, and examine the complex regulatory battles that continue to influence energy policy today.

From Local Innovation to National InfrastructureThis meticulously researched work illuminates how electricity transformed from a laboratory curiosity into the invisible backbone of modern civilization. Learn how the post-World War II boom tripled electricity usage, how the 1965 Northeast blackout led to the creation of national reliability standards, and how deregulation experiments of the 1990s forever changed the industry landscape.

Perfect for Students and Energy EnthusiastsWritten in an accessible, educational style, this book serves as an essential resource for college students, policy makers, and anyone seeking to understand the technical, economic, and social forces that created our modern electrical system. Each chapter builds upon previous concepts while exploring the recurring themes of centralization versus decentralization, regulation versus market forces, and the ongoing challenge of balancing reliability, affordability, and environmental responsibility.

Understanding Today's Grid Through Yesterday's DecisionsAs we face new challenges from renewable energy integration, cybersecurity threats, and climate change, understanding the historical foundations of our electrical grid becomes more crucial than ever. This comprehensive history provides the essential context needed to appreciate both the remarkable achievements of the past and the complex decisions that will shape our electrical future.

Douglas Donovan presents a masterful synthesis of technological innovation, business strategy, and public policy that reveals how a series of local experiments grew into the vast, interconnected system that powers the American economy and way of life.

Essential reading for understanding the infrastructure that makes modern America possible.

254 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 17, 2025

About the author

Douglas Donovan holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and has held many operations positions in manufacturing, nuclear power, and electric utilities, including over 15 years in the electric power industry.

He is an accomplished author who specializes in making complex scientific concepts accessible to general audiences. His work includes comprehensive explorations of technological and scientific history that have helped readers understand the fundamental forces shaping our modern world.