Initially, power is delivered from one of about 10,000 power plants in the U.S. where the electricity itself is created, to a portion of the power distribution grid. Though we may have the idea that there is just one “grid” in the United States, in fact, there are many. What we refer to as the power grid is simply the interconnected lines of these transmission stations throughout the country.
Currently, the U.S. electrical grid is undergoing changes in the same way that cell phones have become “smart phones.” Utility companies are looking at ways to use technology to increase the reliability and effectiveness of electricity supply. At this time, sections of the electrical grid are divided into Eastern, Western and Texas (ERCOT) areas, with electrical supply in all of those areas independently owned by many different companies.
One of the biggest challenges with the U.S. power grid and how it works is it's age and changes in regulation. With a base of development during the 1960's, power needs in America have changed radically. Originally, power was created and distributed locally. Now, large, multi-state organizations create and sell their power across vast regions of America. Adding to the confusion is the requirement that many states have created to deregulate power. Now, deregulation has caused confusion as to who is to maintain these transmission lines across the grid.
Ultimately, the electrical grid that we think of is nothing but a series of transmission lines that are all linked together into three separate regional areas in the US. While there is a government-led movement to update the way electricity is managed, currently, the grid operates quite simply. First, power is developed at a power plant, by burning fossil fuels, using solar power or even by positioning turbines under the falling water of a hydro-electric dam. Once the power is created, it is sent to a transmission sub-station near the power plant where it is broken down into smaller units, where it is then transmitted over high-voltage transmission lines. Once the electricity is moved over high-voltage transmission lines, it it deposited at a power substation. Because the power at the power substation is so potent, it is then transformed, using a “transformer,” to be sent over local power lines. Finally, the power is transformed one more time, at either a transformer drum or ground-based transformer to be delivered into your home.
Knowing that the electricity you use is part of the United States power grid simply gives you the information as to what region your electric service resides in. With upgrades into a “smart” power grid in the future, electric users can count on a more reliable and efficient electric supply throughout the United States.
