This video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW examines how technology can help monitor and modernize the infrastructure of the century-old U.S. power grid, which is ill equipped to handle the increasing demand for electricity. "Smart" grids allow utility companies to monitor power needs and respond more quickly to problems. A smart grid would conserve energy and help integrate modern power plants that use cleaner, renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, tidal, and geothermal. This resource is useful for introducing components of Engineering Design (ETS) from the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) to grades 6-12 students.