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From Plant to Plug

The electricity we use at our homes and places of business is produced or generated in power plants. BrightRidge purchases the power we sell from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).  No matter which type of plant the electricity is produced in, it follows a similar path to your home or business. Here are the steps that electricity takes to travel from plant to the plug:

Power plants

Electrical energy is produced.

High-voltage transmission/trunk lines

Supplies electricity to substations from power plants. (161,000 and 69,000 volts)

Substations

Receives electricity from transmission lines. Large transformers located at substations reduce electric voltage to approximately 13,000 volts.

Distribution/3-phase lines

Provides electricity to commercial and industrial customers, as well as supplies electricity to single-phase lines.

Single-phase/tap-lines

Generally operates at 7,200 volts. Supplies electricity to residential areas.

Transformer

Steps down voltage to a manageable level for residential homes.

Electric meter

Electricity passes through an electric meter. The meter measures energy usage in kWhs and/or kW (demand).

Main breaker

Large disconnect switch in circuit breakers or fuse boxes.

Circuit breakers or fuse box

Disconnect for each of the switches or outlets.

Switch or outlet

Receptacle in the wall that appliances are plugged into.

Plug from appliance

End of electrical cord.

Appliance

Various.