The Electric Grid

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This class will cover the evolution of the electricity grid, how it has grown and changed over a more than a century, policy and regulatory dynamics that determine the speed and direction of that evolution, and pathways to address climate change. By the end of this course, students will have a basic understanding of the technologies and infrastructure that constitute "The Grid," the regulatory structure that governs electric utilities’ construction, use, and operation of the gird, and how that reacts to and drives change on the grid, basic structure and economics of electricity markets, how electricity system factors affect GHG emissions and climate change, new trends in technology (e.g., renewable energy and electricity storage), and electricity access and energy justice issues. Comparative aspects of the grid across different countries will also be covered.