We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together.

CNN: Obama's inaugural speech

That's why many economists embrace intelligent infrastructure spending on roads, bridges, schools, electric grids and rural Internet access as effective stimulus elements.

WSJ: What It Would Take for Stimulus to Work

That's why we're investing in companies right here in Nevada and across this nation that produce solar power and wind power and the smart, energy-efficient electric grids -- (applause) -- the investments that are giving rise to a clean energy economy. (Applause.) It's vital that we do that.

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But a solar storm has the potential to disrupt the shielding effect, and severe space weather can have harmful effects on a wide array of technological systems, including satellite operations, communications, navigation and electric power grids.

MSN: Solar storms sparked by giant 'magnetic rope,' study finds

But experts say a successful, large-scale attack on U.S. computer systems could hobble electric-power grids, transportation networks and industrial-supply chains.

CNN: U.S. at risk of cyberattacks, experts say

Thanks to a series of severe storms that clobbered electric-power grids in New York and Connecticut recently, the fuel-cell industry appears poised for a modest to massive growth spurt.

FORBES: Grid Problems Boost Fuel Cell Market

Micro-grids are independent controllable and defined systems including electric generating and consuming assets that can be connected to or disconnected from the larger power grid, and they are becoming more popular.

FORBES: With All Eyes On Hurricane Sandy, A Good Time to Evaluate Micro-Grids