The future for the nation’s electrical infrastructure

The United States’ electrical infrastructure is about 100 years old and ruled by alternating current, or AC. But the modern world around us—household appliances, laptop computers, cell phones and devices—is powered by direct current, or DC. A conference this week in Charleston is showing how the world is witnessing a transformation in electricity generation, delivery and technology. Experts from industry, federal laboratories and academia are discussing the latest development. Jim Rogers, retired chairman and CEO for Duke Energy, says electrical distribution is “on the march” and examples of that include roof-top solar and electric-powered vehicles.