Electricity Delivery Infrastructure
The electrical grid is the backbone of the nation’s power supply. It consists of high-voltage transmission lines that reach homes and businesses. The lower-voltage distribution lines are connected to the power plants and are used by households. Both the distribution and transmission systems are interconnected through substations. Transformers at each substation lower the voltage as it travels along the lines. The electric grid is an essential part of a nation’s power system.
In the U.S., electricity delivery depends on a complex patchwork of power generation facilities, 600 million miles of backbone transmission lines, 240,000 miles of high-voltage transmission lines, and more than 5.5 million miles of local distribution lines. These utilities are owned and operated by investor-owned utilities and public utility companies. A combined total of 1.6 million people rely on electricity from these networks. The U.S.’s electrical infrastructure is essential to the health of our economy.
The electricity delivery infrastructure is divided into two subsystems. The transmission subsystem, also called the bulk power system, primarily transports electricity from central stations to load centers. The transmission system operates at high voltages, up to 765 kV, and is highly meshed and highly automated. The distribution subsystem, on the other hand, delivers electricity from load centers to consumers. It is radial in structure and is not as automated as the former.
The US electric infrastructure consists of two distinct subsystems. The transmission subsystem, also called the bulk power system, distributes electricity from the central station to load centers. In North America, the transmission subsystem has more than 600,000 miles of high-voltage lines and 5.5 million miles of local distribution lines. The transmission and distribution subsystems are separate systems. The former is owned by an investor, while the latter is owned by a public utility.
Modernizing the electric grid can help reduce the frequency of power outages and storm impacts, and can help utilities and consumers better manage costs. By modernizing the grid, the two parties can improve security, lower operational costs, and integrate renewable sources. A modernized electric grid can improve efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction. Its benefits are well worth the investment. The electrical grid is the backbone of the country’s power supply. It is the main component of the U.S. economy.
The electricity delivery infrastructure is comprised of two subsystems. The transmission subsystem (also known as the bulk power system) primarily delivers energy from central stations to load centers. It is highly automated and meshed. The distribution subsystem, on the other hand, delivers it from load centers to consumers. This subsystem has significant automation and is owned by investor-owned utilities. The entire system is responsible for delivering power to customers. There are three main types of transmission and distribution systems.