Our dependence on electrical energy and the demand for continuous and reliable power continue to grow. Recent wide-area electrical blackouts have raised many questions about the causes of such events and the weakness of interconnected power systems. The exchange of information obtained from blackouts worldwide, examination of the root causes, and application of both proven and new solutions to help prevent propagation of such large-scale events should help the electric power industry design, operate, and maintain reliable power delivery infrastructures for the future.