An electrical grid is an interconnected network for electricity delivery from producers to consumers. It is a complex power generation, transmission, and distribution network that includes power stations, electrical substations, electric power transmission, and electric power distribution to individual customers. The grid is made up of three distinct components: generation, transmission, and distribution.

• Generation: Electricity starts at a generation facility, which could be a natural gas- or coal-burning power plant, a wind farm, a solar facility, a hydroelectric dam, or a nuclear power plant.

• Transmission: Electric power transmission carries power long distances from the generation facility to the distribution substations. The transmission lines are high voltage and are used to move large amounts of electricity over long distances.

• Distribution: Electric power distribution carries electricity from the distribution substations to individual customers. The voltage is stepped down again to the required service voltage(s) before it reaches homes and businesses.

The grid is operated by one or more control centers. Grids are nearly always synchronous, meaning all distribution areas operate with three-phase alternating current (AC) frequencies synchronized, allowing transmission of AC power throughout the area, connecting a large number of electricity generators and consumers and potentially enabling more efficient electricity markets and redundant generation.

The grid is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events and cyberattacks. Smart grid initiatives seek to improve operations, maintenance, and planning by automating operations and ensuring that components of the grid can communicate with each other as required.