At last, we're getting close to home! After a drop in voltage at a source substation, electricity traveled along a power line up to a satellite substation, which further stepped down the voltage. There are now only two stages remaining in the journey before we can use this power ... medium-voltage distribution and low-voltage distribution.

Shocking news about live wires ...

Controlling vegetation: The way to cut down on power failures

As a rule, medium-voltage three-phase alternating current leaves the satellite substation at 25 kV via underground power lines that become overhead lines some distance away. A distribution system is made up of three bare overhead phase conductors attached to insulating strings at the tops of electricity poles. The bare neutral conductor, located a few metres beneath those three wires, is connected to a grounding system for worker and public safety. The distribution grid also includes transformers mounted on electricity poles; their purpose is to lower the voltage from 25 kV to 120/240 volts–the level intended for residential use. This low voltage travels from pole to house on insulated conductors that can be overhead or underground.

Scroll right to follow the route of electricity from the generating station to your home.