The U.S. Electric Grid: A Critical Backbone for the Economy and National Security

The U.S. electric grid is one of the most essential and complex infrastructure systems in the world, enabling virtually all U.S. economic activity and supporting critical services that underpin modern life.  

This report, prepared by Concentric Energy Advisors, Inc., examines the U.S. electric grid as a critical national asset and evaluates how utility investment, modernization, and integrated planning support economic growth and national security. The report’s Executive Summary highlights key findings from the full report, focusing on how U.S. electric utilities consistently deliver high levels of reliability and resilience, while prioritizing affordability. 

Drawing on data from federal agencies, national laboratories, and industry sources, the report demonstrates that the grid’s value extends far beyond the price of electricity. Reliable power enables economic productivity, protects public safety, and avoids billions of dollars in disruption costs each year. The report also explores how utilities are strengthening the system through infrastructure investment, advanced technologies, and increasingly sophisticated planning tools. 

Overall, the report concludes that a modern, interconnected electric grid remains the most scalable and cost-effective platform to support economic growth, national security, and the evolving needs of customers. 

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All views expressed by the authors are solely the authors’ current views and do not reflect the views of Concentric Energy Advisors, Inc., its affiliates, subsidiaries, related companies, or clients. The authors’ views are based upon information the authors consider reliable at the time of publication. However, neither Concentric Energy Advisors, Inc., nor its affiliates, subsidiaries, and related companies warrant the information’s completeness or accuracy, and it should not be relied upon as such.