16 Enabling the Digital and Energy transition Building the U.S. Power Grid of the Future Tracking the Future After decades of underinvestment, however, the power grid is in desperate need of modernization and upgrades to prepare for the changes that are underway. Not only is the grid aging (with many assets operating past their design life), but carbon free renewable energy is rapidly replacing power generation from fossil fuels, and severe weather events are stressing the grid with ever increasing frequency. On top of this, electrification of the economy is expected to require between 40 percent and 100 percent more electricity than we currently use. Preparing for this future is a hefty undertaking that will require a massive amount of investment to keep the lights on. The domestic wire and cable industry is ramping up for the challenge. As the U.S. accelerates into the energy transition, investment and innovation within the wire and cable industry will help the U.S. power grid expand; this will enable a successful transition towards renewable energy, and a more sustainable and reliable future. In 1882, Thomas Edison opened Pearl Street Station, the first central power plant in the United States. Originally serving just 59 customers, the plant grew to provide power to over 500 customers in two years. Since then, the U.S. power grid has expanded exponentially. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the current U.S. power grid is comprised of over 7,300 power plants and 160,000 miles of high-voltage lines, serving 145 million customers throughout the country. It’s a system built on 140 years of expansion and innovation.
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