You’re right, it’s a real headache. The grid can’t just swing on those intermittent sources – you need a mix of batteries, pumped‑hydro, or even quick‑start gas peakers to smooth out the curve. Demand‑side tricks like letting air‑conditioning cycle or shifting industrial loads help, and smart meters give operators a second‑hand look at real‑time consumption. It’s all about keeping the supply curve flexible enough to match the demand swing. So yes, the lights stay on, but only because we’ve turned the grid into a real-time dance between producers and consumers.