Here are the key points from this section:

• The Grid is an inter-connected web of wires that covers North America. It is made up of big, high-capacity lines for long-distance transportation, which are connected to many smaller lines for local distribution.
• A recent shift in thinking - the generation segment of power supply in today’s environment would be more efficient and economical in a competitive market. In contrast, transmission and distribution will remain regulated and noncompetitive.
  
• Major segments of the electricity industry are being restructured/deregulated. The industry is currently in the midst of a transition from a vertically integrated and regulated monopoly to an entity in a competitive market where retail customers choose the suppliers of their electricity.
  
• There are 4 major networks in North America:
1. the Eastern Interconnected System, consisting of the eastern two-thirds of the United States and Canada;
2. the Western Interconnected System, consisting primarily of the Southwest and areas west of the Rocky Mountains;
3. the Texas Interconnected System, consisting mainly of Texas; and
4. the Quebec Interconnected System, consisting of Quebec, Newfoundland and Labrador.
• Electricity is generated at lower voltage, stepped-up for transmission, and then stepped-down to a lower voltage again for use. There are fewer losses at higher voltage, but it's harder to use.
• Overall reliability planning and coordination of the interconnected power systems are the responsibility of the North American Electric Reliability Council (NERC). NERC's nine regional councils cover the 48 contiguous States, part of Alaska, and portions of Canada and Mexico.

Well, that's it for the Tutorial. We hope you learned something.