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Transmission is a "interstate highway" for the supply of electricity. It refers to the portion of the supply of electricity that transfers bulk electricity from generation sites over long distances to substations that are closer to areas of demand for electricity.
Fremont, CA: Transmission and distribution refer to the various phases in which energy is transmitted over poles and wires from generators to homes or businesses. The primary difference between the two is the degree of voltage at which electricity moves at each point.
After the production of power, the electrical wire system brings electricity from the generation source to our homes and businesses. These lines may be located overhead or even in the field, and combined transmission and distribution lines make up what is usually referred to as the "grid." Transmission and distribution are two different phases or grid networks.
Transmission is a "interstate highway" for the supply of electricity. It refers to the portion of the supply of electricity that transfers bulk electricity from generation sites over long distances to substations that are closer to areas of demand for electricity. Consumers can consider transmission lines as bigger, larger poles/towers carrying more wires over long distances. Transmission lines move massive quantities of electricity at a high voltage level – a level that is too high to be distributed directly to your home or company. Transmission cables, transformers, substations and other facilities have a voltage of 100 kV (100,000 volts) and beyond.
In most situations, the power flowing through the transmission grid must be reduced to a lower voltage level by electricity distributors before it can be transmitted to a home or business premises. Power, specifically the voltage level, transmitted through transmission lines is reduced or "stepped down" through transformers and transmitted through distribution lines, which are then connected to homes and businesses.
If the transmission is the network's interstate highway, the delivery is the city street. It is the last leg of electricity generation to the customer. Power moves on the distribution grid at a voltage level that can be distributed directly to your home or company. Distribution lines are the lines that many people see in the streets. Distribution is the power that turns on and runs the appliances that we use every day to keep our food healthy, our clothes clean and our homes cool or warm. The voltage of the distribution lines – the lines that many people see in their neighborhoods – is approximately 13 kV (13,000 volts); the average household is 110 volts.
