Off-the-grid

Off-the-grid, or "off-grid", means self-sufficient without reliance on government-controlled sources for power (the electrical grid or natural gas). In its broadest sense "off-the-grid includes independence for water also.

The power outages that affect millions of Americans do not disrupt those living off-the-grid. They have greater independence from government interference and control, as government is unable to cut off their daily subsistence.

Not including religious communities such as the Amish, there are an estimated 250,000 Americans living off-the-grid. Worldwide, about 1.7 billion live off-the-grid.

Amish

The growing Amish communities, which double in population every 20 years, live off-the-grid, mostly in Pennsylvania and the Midwest.