Embodiments of generating controlled fractures in geologic formation are provided herein. In one embodiment, a method comprises preconditioning by applying a sufficient amount of energy comprising AC power to the electrodes to induce an electrical field between opposite electrode contact points to generate a least one conductive channel between a pair of electrodes. The generation of the conductive channel is complete when current flow measured by a network analyzer exhibits a measured reduction of channel resistance of 90% ohms or more in 6 hours or less from when preconditioning first began. The method further comprises, subsequent to generating the conductive channel, fracturing by applying electrical impulses to the electrodes. The application of the electrical pulses generates multiple controlled fractures within and about the conductive channel. The energy is applied using a single phase configuration, a multiphase configuration, or any combination thereof.