From Power Plant to Customer

Where this fits

A conceptual journey from generation through transmission and distribution to end use.

Core system ideas

Electricity generated at power stations or distributed resources enters networks designed for different voltage and distance ranges.

Transmission carries large amounts of power over longer distances; distribution delivers electricity closer to individual customers.

Transformers and substations connect these network layers while protection and control systems manage faults and switching.

Interfaces and tradeoffs

The most useful way to understand this topic is to place it in the chain from energy conversion to customer service. Definitions, units and system boundaries should be explicit before comparing technologies.

What organizations measure

Power flow, network loading, losses, voltage, service continuity and demand.