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Question

How do power grids work?

Key Words

power grids, generators, high-voltage transmission lines, sub-stations, transformers, interconnected electricity network, freeway for electrons, highways, railroad easements, electrical power, interconnected grids, benefits to neighboring countries, blackout

Answer

Power grids are the overhead, high-voltage transmission lines that criss-cross our nations. This interconnected network enables multiple generators to feed this grid simultaneously, allowing utilites to buy and sell power at least cost.

Often running alongside highways and railroad easements, these grids act as the freeway for electrons for delivery of electrical power from generation sources through high-voltage transmission lines, sub-stations, and transformers to customers in cities and industry.

Interconnected grids enable power to be transferred from one region to another — leveling loads between time zones and the seasonal variations between north and south. Today, 100 nations are interconnected across borders, taking advantage of these benefits that accrue to the trading nations.

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Link August, 2003 Blackout of northeast United States and Canada (145kb swf)

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