Generation, Transmission & Distribution of Electricity

Generation

The process of producing electricity from various sources.

Generation voltage

25kV

275kV & 400kV

Transmission voltages

66kV, 33kV, 11kV, 230V & 400V

Distribution voltages

Renewable energy sources

Energy sources that can be replenished naturally, such as wind, solar, hydropower, and bioenergy.

Non-renewable energy sources

Energy sources that cannot be replenished in a short time frame, such as coal, fossil fuels, and nuclear power.

National Grid

The electricity transmission network that carries electricity at high voltage across England and Wales.

Transmission

The process of sending electricity at high voltage from generation points to distribution networks.

Distribution

The process of delivering electricity to homes and businesses from the transmission network.

Transmission substations

Facilities where generated electricity is fed onto the transmission network.

Distribution substation

Facilities where high voltage electricity is lowered to safe levels for use in homes.

Pylons

Tall structures used to support overhead power lines in the transmission network.

Voltage

The electrical potential difference that drives electric current through a circuit.

Step-up transformer

A device that increases the voltage of electricity for transmission.

Step-down transformer

A device that decreases the voltage to a safer level for distribution.

Electricity transmission network

A system of high-voltage power lines and substations used to transport electric power.

Estate of Electricities

Refers to the different stages of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution.

Wholesale market

A marketplace where electricity generated is sold to energy suppliers.

Exclusion Zones

Areas where restrictions apply, particularly concerning safety or environmental impacts.

Live Generation Data

Real-time information regarding electricity generation capacities and usage.

High voltage

A level of voltage that is dangerous for direct use without transformation.

Pole and cable management

The responsibility of distribution network operators in handling the infrastructure for electricity delivery.

Motorways vs Local Roads analogy

A comparison used to describe the function of transmission networks (motorways) versus distribution networks (local roads).

Community electricity delivery

The process of bringing electricity from transmission networks to individual homes and businesses.