Western Interconnection
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The Western Interconnection is one of the two major alternating current (AC) power grids in North America. The other major interconnection is the Eastern Interconnection. The three minor interconnections are the Québec Interconnection, the Texas Interconnection, and the Alaska Interconnection.
All of the electric utilities in the Western Interconnection are electrically tied together during normal system conditions and operate at a synchronized frequency operating at an average of 60Hz. The Western Interconnection stretches from Western Canada South to Baja California in Mexico, reaching Eastard over the Rockies to the Great Plains.
Interconnections can be tied to each other via high voltage direct current (DC) power transmission lines which permit a controlled flow of energy while also electrically separating the synchronized AC systems of each side. The Western Interconnection is tied to the Eastern Interconnection at six points, and also has ties to other systems in Canada and Mexico. It is not tied to the Alaska Interconnection.
