Power grid

The failure of just nine utility substations, and the closing of one factory, could blackout the entire U.S. for 18 months.

A heat wave covering the Midwest and Northeast is expected to peak today -- and with it, demand for electricity to power air conditioning. People may be asked to conserve, but power grids expect they'll meet demand.

The U.S. power grid needs upgrading to manage all the stresses on it. The Army is testing a much smaller grid that cut fuel use in half, saving soldiers' lives.

Power costs in Jamaica are among the highest in the Caribbean. Many poor people have devised ways to get their supply free and illegally. Now the utility company is cracking down on this theft.

A promising new technology aims to store electricity for the power grid on the cheap.

Cyber attacks are in the news, but physical sabotage to large transformers would probably cause more damage to the nation's electric grid.

Three weeks after Hurricane Sandy power has been restored for most people affected by the storm. But the embattled LIPA is still dealing with a wave of criticism over its performance.

The power grid is too large, too dependent on distant electricity supplies and not smart enough to pass the hurricane test. The result: long power outages. Upgrading to a more reliable grid will cost billions and take decades.