The electric grid—the way it works, the players involved, the many factors that impact its performance, and the potential actions necessary to improve its resilience—is complicated. The power grid is often described as the “world’s largest machine,” with the scale of the grid too large for one entity to manage. People often aren’t aware of how much goes on behind the scenes to keep the lights on.
Electric Grid Story Maps
The project team has developed a series of story maps intended to help people understand some of the complexities of Lane County’s electric grid. The source of information for the story maps is the Power Lane County Electric Grid Handbook.
Explore below to view the story maps, the full Handbook, and a summary of its key findings.
Learn about how the electric grid works, the players involved in managing it, and key policies that influence it.
Learn about how utilities work within the local context to balance the grid, ensure system reliability, and maintain affordable rates.
Learn how natural hazards can impact the electric grid and some of the ways utilities and communities can plan for resilience.
Learn about the potential for solar, wind, and biomass as sources of electricity in Lane County.
Power Lane County Electric Grid Handbook
The Power Lane County Electric Grid Handbook is a primer which helps establish a baseline understanding of the electric system. It was created by National Laboratories researchers for Power Lane County’s Track 1: Countywide Project. View or download the full Handbook below.
Power Lane County Electric Grid Handbook Summary for Policymakers
The project team has created a summary of key findings and identified gaps and opportunities from the Handbook. View or download the summary below.