Ice can generate electricity in two ways: flexoelectricity, triggered when ice is bent or deformed, and ferroelectricity, present at the surface in extremely cold conditions. This explains how ice particles in thunderclouds become charged, revealing a likely mechanism behind lightning initiation. Ice’s electrical output, comparable to high-performance ceramics, enables potential uses in sensors and transducers, especially in harsh, cold environments where traditional electronics fail. These findings open up new technological possibilities and deepen our understanding of natural electrical phenomena in polar and stormy regions.