In the midst of a local blackout, anomalies are found in two supposedly invulnerable computer systems. Is it merely a glitch? Or is it the work of terrorists planning a larger-scale blackout?

Paul Benson, former Director of the Northeast Regional Transmission Organization, has been brought out of retirement to assist in the investigation. Working with Julie Esposito, a fellow engineer at NERTO, and his friend and mentor, Lew Walker, Benson discovers more than anyone bargained for.

The three soon find themselves drawn into a complex web of malice, conspiracy and sabotage as they start making the connections between corrupt energy executives, organized crime, a disgruntled employee and a mysterious but powerful political figure.