The utility industry has made significant improvements to the power grid since the blackout of 2003, which disrupted power to an estimated 50 million people in the eastern United States and Canada.

CNN: 'Smart Grid' may be vulnerable to hackers

In either scenario, the DR program reduced strain on the grid, averting a power blackout.

FORBES: Danger: Grid Operator Threatens Economic Growth, Clean Energy

These experts said such a localized power outage would cascade to other parts of the grid, expanding the blackout.

CNN: 'Smart Grid' may be vulnerable to hackers

The blackout triggered calls by industry leaders for the building of a nationwide smart power grid, which could reroute electricity seamlessly in such cases.

CNN: STORY HIGHLIGHTS

By paying a few people to stop taking power off of the grid, DR programs reduce this stain on the grid, sparing all of us from a nasty blackout.

FORBES: Danger: Grid Operator Threatens Economic Growth, Clean Energy