Question: How does the electric distribution system work?

Answer:

Power is carried to your home or business through an electric distribution system.  Electricity is generated at a power plant and distributed by high-voltage transmission lines through various distribution systems until it reaches your home or business.

1. The power plants generate power and distribute it to substations via high-voltage transmission lines.
2. The transmission lines are used to distribute power to strategically located area substations that may service one or multiple communities.
3. The substations distribute power to major power lines called feeders.
4. A feeder takes power from the substation and distributes it throughout an area serving several hundred to several thousand customers.
5. Taps are lines branching off feeders and typically serve 40 to 400 customers, including businesses and residential neighborhoods.
6. Transformers convert electrical power from high voltage to the lower voltages used in your home or business.  A single transformer typically serves 4 to 12 customers through service wires.
7. The Service Line (or Loop) is the wire between the pole or transformer and the home or building.  This line may be overhead or underground wire.