The US Grid Is in Trouble. Thomas Edison Can Help.

The article focuses on the challenges and history of the fragmented U.S. electrical grid, which consists of disconnected regional networks unable to share surplus power efficiently. It traces the evolution from Thomas Edison's direct-current (DC) system to Nikola Tesla's alternating current (AC) system, which enabled long-distance power transmission and the early formation of interconnected grids. Despite efforts in the mid-20th century to unify these grids, technical difficulties—particularly synchronizing AC frequencies—led to persistent separation, exemplified by Texas's isolated grid. Recent research suggests that high-voltage direct-current (HVDC) links, which convert AC to DC to bypass frequency issues, may offer a viable path toward a more integrated national grid, with federal funding supporting further development.