be off the grid

1. To live without one's home connected to municipal utility systems, such as water supply or the main electrical grid. I just need to get enough solar panels installed to disconnect from the city's electricity supply, and then I'll be off the grid. When you're off the grid like this, you're on your own to deal with the problems caused by severe storms. You guys must be off the grid, right? Since you live this far up the mountain?

2. To exist outside of governmental observation; to be untraceable through any means of commerce or communication that could be linked to one's identity. Fearing for his life, the whistle-blower from the intelligence agency was forced to be off the grid for a number of years, eschewing anything that might leave a digital footprint for someone to find. I've never felt a need to run with the herd. That's why I'm off the grid now, living how I see fit. Sir, we haven't seen a trace of those criminals in weeks. They're off the grid by now.