2001 Transmission lines have been upgraded. Poles are taller and sturdier.
Electricity is shuttled farther and faster than ever before.
But like internal combustion engines or indoor plumbing, not much has changed over the past 100 years in the fundamental design of the distribution network that pushes power across North America. The electric grid, a vast collection of wires and switches, has served millions of homes and businesses since the late 19th century. The grid has been expanded again and again, decade after decade. As for being completely reliant on it, that is changing now and will continue to change at an ever-increasing pace. Technological advances already are redefining traditional electricity delivery.