--- title: Transmission of Electricity | Process, Types, Power Lines & Home Use description: How does electricity work? Learn about the basics of electric transmission, types of transmission systems, distribution, and use of electricity at home. image: https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/Transmission_of_Electricity_-_FI.png --- [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo-white.4f6047d4.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) [![Carbon collective](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/CarbonCollective_August2021%20copy/images/carbon-collective-green-investing-logo.53b28bee.svg "Carbon collective")](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) - About - Employers - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - [401(k) Comparison Tool](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k/plan-comparison-tool) - Individuals - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [ETF](https://www.carboncollectivefunds.com/) - Learn - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - [Blog](https://blog.carboncollective.co/) - [Tools](https://tools.carboncollective.co/calculator/) - Log in - [Carbon Collective](https://app.carboncollective.co) - [Altruist](https://app.altruist.com) [Talk to a human](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f4o5dylkg) [Sign up](https://app.carboncollective.co/sign-up) [Log In](http://app.carboncollective.co/) **[Home](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/) > [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing) >** Transmission of Electricity # Transmission of Electricity ![](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/zach-stein.jpeg) Written by Zach Stein | Reviewed by [Subject Matter Experts](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/subject-matter-experts) Updated on October 1, 2024 Fact Checked Why Trust Carbon Collective? ### Table of Contents ## **The Basics of How Electricity is Transmitted** Electricity is transmitted through wires that connect power plants to our homes and businesses.  The electricity travels from the power plant to [substations](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/substation), where it is transformed into a lower voltage so it can travel long distances more efficiently. From there, the electricity flows through transmission lines to local distribution substations.  The electricity is then transformed into an even lower voltage so it can be sent through the distribution system of wires and poles that deliver electricity to our homes and businesses. This system of wires, poles, transformers, and other equipment that delivers electricity to customers is called the electric power system. The electric power system is one of the most impressive engineering feats of the modern world. It is an incredible machine we depend on daily, but most of us never think about how it works. ## **Electrical Transmission Process** When the electrical transmission process takes place, there are three types of currents that are used. These are direct current (DC), alternating current (AC), and pulse-width modulation (PWM). A direct current is a flow of electrons that always moves in the same direction. This type of current is used in batteries and some solar power systems. Alternating current changes direction periodically. The electricity that powers our homes and businesses is alternating current. Pulse-width modulation is a current type that turns rapidly on and off. This transmission type is used for some lights, such as LED lights. The electrical transmission process begins at the power plant. The power plant produces AC electricity at a high voltage.  The electricity is then sent to a substation, which is transformed into a lower voltage to travel long distances more efficiently. ## **Different Types of Transmission Systems** There are three different types of transmission systems: ### **Direct Current System** The first type of system is the direct current system. This system uses DC electricity to power homes and businesses. The current natural system is the best type of transmission system.  The direct current system is the most common type of transmission system. The alternating current system is used in some areas but is less common than the direct current system.  The direct current system is the most efficient type of transmission system. The direct current system is the most expensive type of transmission system. The direct current system is the safest type of transmission system. ### **Alternating Current System** The second type of system is the alternating current system. This system uses AC electricity to power homes and businesses. The alternating current system is less safe than the direct current system.  The alternating current system is less efficient than the direct current system. The alternating current system is less expensive than the direct current system. The alternating current system is better than the direct current system.  ### **Pulse-Width Modulation System** The third type of system is the pulse-width modulation system. This system uses PWM electricity to power homes and businesses. The pulse-width modulation system is used in some areas, but it is less common than the other two types of transmission systems. The pulse-width modulation system is the least efficient type of transmission system. The pulse-width modulation system is the least expensive type of transmission system. The pulse-width modulation system is the worst transmission system because it is the least efficient compared to the two. The pulse-width modulation system is the least safe transmission system because it is the most expensive. ## **Main Elements of a Transmission Line** The main elements of a transmission line are the conductors, insulators, and support structures. ### **Conductors** The conductors are the wires that carry the electricity. They are made of metal, such as copper or aluminum. ### **Insulators** The insulators are the materials that keep the electricity from flowing to places where it is not supposed to go. They are made of materials such as rubber, plastic, or glass. ### **Support Structures** The support structures are the things that hold the conductors and insulators in place. They are made of materials such as wood, concrete, or steel. ## **Different Types of Power Lines** There are three different types of power lines: ### **Overhead Line** The first type of power line is the overhead line. This power line has conductors and insulators suspended from support structures, such as poles or towers. Overhead lines are the most common type of power line. They are less expensive to build than underground cables but require more maintenance. Overhead lines are also more vulnerable to damage from weather and animals. ### **Underground Cable** The second type of power line is the underground cable. This type of power line has conductors and insulators that are buried underground. Underground cables are more expensive to build than overhead lines but require less maintenance. Underground cables are less vulnerable to damage from weather and animals. ### **Submarine Cable** The third type of power line is the submarine cable. This type of power line has conductors and insulators submerged in water. Submarine cables are the most expensive type of power line. They are less vulnerable to damage from weather and animals but require more maintenance. The type of power line used depends on the location of the transmission line. Overhead lines are used in places with plenty of space, such as rural areas.  Underground cables are used in places where space is limited, such as cities. Submarine cables are used in areas where it is impossible to use either overhead lines or underground cables, such as rivers or lakes. ## **Reducing Power Line Losses** There are two ways to reduce power line losses: ### **Better Conductors** The first way is to use better conductors. The best conductor is a material with a low resistance to electricity, such as copper or aluminum. ### **Better Insulators** The second way is to use better insulators. The best insulator is a material that does not allow electricity to flow through it, such as rubber, plastic, or glass. The best way to reduce power line losses is to use better conductors and insulators. This will make the transmission line more efficient and reduce the amount of electricity that is lost. ## **How Power Is Delivered to Your Home** The first step in delivering power to your home is to generate electricity at a power plant. The electricity is then sent through transmission lines to a substation. From the substation, the electricity is sent through distribution lines to your home. At your home, the electricity flows through service entrance equipment, such as a meter, to your main breaker panel. The electricity from the main breaker panel is distributed throughout your home by branch circuits. The electricity then flows to outlets, switches, and light fixtures used to power lights, appliances, and other devices. ## **How Much Electricity Does a Typical Household Use?** The average household uses about [900 kilowatt-hours](https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=97&t=3#:~:text=In%202021%2C%20the%20average%20annual,about%20886%20kWh%20per%20month.) of electricity per month. This amount of electricity is enough to power: 30 100-watt light bulbs for 24 hours a day for 30 days and five 100-watt light bulbs for 10 hours a day for 30 days.  It also powers one 100-watt light bulb 24 hours a day for 30 days or any other combination of light bulbs and time. The actual amount of electricity a household uses will depend on the number of people in the household, the types of appliances and devices used, and how often they are used. ## **How to Improve Energy Use** There are many ways to improve energy use; some of the ways are: - Reducing the amount of electricity that is used - Improving the efficiency of appliances and devices - Using alternative sources of energy, such as solar power or wind power   Reducing the amount of electricity used is the most effective way to improve energy use. This can be done by using energy-efficient appliances and devices and by using them less often. Improving the efficiency of appliances and devices will also help to improve energy use. Appliances and more efficient devices use less electricity to do the same amount of work. Alternative energy sources, such as solar or wind power, is another way to improve energy use. These energy sources do not produce [greenhouse gases](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/greenhouse-gases), so they are better for the environment. The best way to improve energy use is to reduce the amount of electricity used and improve the efficiency of appliances and devices. This will help to save money on your electricity bill and will also help to protect the environment. ![How_to_Improve_Energy_Use](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hs-fs/hubfs/How_to_Improve_Energy_Use.png?width=1920&height=1080&name=How_to_Improve_Energy_Use.png) ## **The Bottom Line** The transmission of electricity is sending electrical energy from one place to another. The most common way to transmit electricity is through power lines. Power lines are made up of two parts: conductors and insulators. Conductors are materials that allow electricity to flow through them, while insulators are materials that do not allow electricity to flow through them. The best way to reduce power line losses is to use better conductors and insulators. This will make the transmission line more efficient and reduce the amount of electricity that is lost. At your home, the electricity flows through service entrance equipment, such as a meter, to your main breaker panel. The electricity from the main breaker panel is distributed throughout your home by branch circuits.  The electricity then flows to outlets, switches, and light fixtures used to power lights, appliances, and other devices. The actual amount of electricity a household uses will depend on the number of people in the household, the types of appliances and devices used, and how often they are used. There are many ways to improve energy use. Some ways are: reducing the amount of electricity used and enhancing the efficiency of appliances and devices. Using alternative energy sources, such as solar or wind power, can also help reduce electricity usage. ## **FAQs** ### **1. What is the transmission of electricity?** The transmission of electricity is sending electrical energy from one place to another. The most common way to transmit electricity is through power lines. ### **2. How do power lines work?** Power lines are made up of two parts: conductors and insulators. Conductors are materials that allow electricity to flow through them, while insulators are materials that do not allow electricity to flow through them. ### **3. What is the best way to reduce power line losses?** The best way to reduce power line losses is to use better conductors and insulators. This will make the transmission line more efficient and reduce the amount of electricity that is lost. ### **4. How does electricity get to my home?** At your home, the electricity flows through service entrance equipment, such as a meter, to your main breaker panel. The electricity from the main breaker panel is distributed throughout your home by branch circuits. The electricity then flows to outlets, switches, and light fixtures used to power lights, appliances, and other devices. ### **5. What factors affect the amount of electricity my household uses?** The actual amount of electricity a household uses will depend on the number of people in the household, the types of appliances and devices used, and how often they are used. ### Related Topics - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/) - [Carbon Footprint](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/carbon-footprint) - [Energy Efficiency](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/energy-efficiency) - [Greenhouse Gases](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/greenhouse-gases) - [Net Zero](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/net-zero) - [Renewable Energy Sources](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/renewable-energy-sources) - [Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/sustainable-development-goals-sdgs) ![Attend Our Next Webinar](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/carbon-collective-green-investing-icon-webinar.12af7b6e.svg) ### Attend Our Next Webinar Join our next Sustainable Investing 101 webinar, get our favorite DIY options, and walk through how we build our portfolios. [Watch Now](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing-webinar-green-retirement-month) ![Get Our Newsletter](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/carbon-collective-green-investing-icon-demo.6ed28722.svg) ### Get Our Newsletter Go a level deeper with us and investigate the potential impacts of climate change on investments like your retirement account. Join Newsletter ![close-typeform](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhEQARAIAAAODn7P///yH5BAEHAAEALAAAAAARABEAAAIqBIKpab3v3EMyVHWtWZluf0za0XFNKDJfCq5i5JpomdUxqKLQVmInqyoAADs=) ![Talk To A Human](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/carbon-collective-green-investing-icon-chat.49d48c5b.svg) ### Talk To A Human Joining a new investment service can be intimidating. We’re here for you. Click below to email us a question or book a quick call. [Ask a Question](https://ask.carboncollective.co/f70pooobq) Topics ## Sustainable Investing Topics View our list of some topics below. See More - Portfolios - [Performance](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/returns) - About - [Sustainable 401(k)](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/401k) - Learn - [FAQ](https://www.carboncollective.co/en/knowledge/faqs) - [Sustainable Investing](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing) - [Investing Basics](https://www.carboncollective.co/sustainable-investing/investing-basics) - Contact - [Contact us](mailto:hello@carboncollective.co) - [Legal](https://www.carboncollective.co/legal) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/hubfs/2022-11%20Carbon%20Collective%20Privacy%20Policy.pdf) - [Back to top](https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/transmission-of-electricity#top-of-page) DISCLAIMERS: Advisory services provided by Carbon Collective Investment LLC (“Carbon Collective"), an SEC-registered investment adviser. A copy of Carbon Collective's current written disclosure statement discussing Carbon Collective’s business operations, services, and fees is available at the SEC’s investment adviser public information website – [www.adviserinfo.sec.gov](https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/310129) or [our legal documents here](https://blog.carboncollective.co/legal-documents/). The articles and research support materials available on this site are educational and are not intended to be investment or tax advice. Carbon Collective does not make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy, timeliness, suitability, completeness, or relevance of any information prepared by any unaffiliated third party, whether linked to Carbon Collective’s web site or incorporated herein, and takes no responsibility therefor. All such information is provided solely for convenience purposes only and all users thereof should be guided accordingly. Investments in securities: Not FDIC Insured • No Bank Guarantee • May Lose Value. Investing in securities involves risks, and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest in securities. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and Carbon Collective's charges and expenses. Carbon Collective's internet-based advisory services are designed to assist clients in achieving discrete financial goals. They are not intended to provide comprehensive tax advice or financial planning with respect to every aspect of a client's financial situation and do not incorporate specific investments that clients hold elsewhere. For more details, see our Form CRS, Form ADV Part 2 and other disclosures. Past performance does not guarantee future results, and the likelihood of investment outcomes are hypothetical in nature. Not an offer, solicitation of an offer, or advice to buy or sell securities in jurisdictions where Carbon Collective is not registered. © 2026 Carbon Collective Corporation. All rights reserved. × #### Fact Checked Carbon Collective partners with financial and climate experts to ensure the accuracy of our content. Our team of reviewers are established professionals with years of experience in areas of personal finance and climate. They have contributed to top tier financial publications, such as Reuters, Axios, Ag Funder News, Bloomberg, Marketwatch, Yahoo! Finance, and many others. This team of experts helps Carbon Collective maintain the highest level of accuracy and professionalism possible. × #### Why Trust Carbon Collective Carbon Collective is the first online investment advisor 100% focused on solving climate change. We believe that sustainable investing is not just an important climate solution, but a smart way to invest. We follow ethical journalism practices, which includes presenting unbiased information and citing reliable, attributed resources. Much of our research comes from leading organizations in the climate space, such as Project Drawdown and the International Energy Agency (IEA). Our goal is to deliver the most understandable and comprehensive explanations of climate and finance topics. Our writing and editorial staff are a team of experts holding advanced financial designations and have written for most major financial media publications. Our work has been directly cited by organizations including MarketWatch, Bloomberg, Axios, TechCrunch, Forbes, NerdWallet, GreenBiz, Reuters, and many others. We strive to empower readers with the most factual and reliable climate finance information possible to help them make informed decisions. } ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "Organization", "alternateName" : "Carbon Collective", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "US", "availableLanguage" : "en", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "(650) 868-2697" }, "logo" : "https://www.carboncollective.co/hubfs/CarbonCollectiveLogo.png", "name" : "Carbon Collective Investing LLC", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.facebook.com/carboncollectiveinvesting/", "https://twitter.com/carbncollective", "https://www.instagram.com/carbon.collective/", "https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC769Y-F-L_B37kyQfdpvyXA", "https://www.linkedin.com/company/carbon-collective/", "https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/carbon-collective", "https://adviserinfo.sec.gov/firm/summary/310129", "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q110243690" ], "url" : "https://www.carboncollective.co/" } ``` ```json { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "BlogPosting", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/transmission-of-electricity" }, "headline": "Transmission of Electricity | Process, Types, Power Lines & Home Use", "description": "How does electricity work? Learn about the basics of electric transmission, types of transmission systems, distribution, and use of electricity at home. ", "image": "https://20345524.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/20345524/Transmission_of_Electricity_-_FI.png", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "https://f.hubspotusercontent20.net/hubfs/20345524/zach-stein.jpeg", "url": "https://www.carboncollectiveinvesting.com/sustainable-investing/author/zach-stein" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "Carbon Collective", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://www.carboncollective.co/hubfs/CarbonCollectiveLogo.png" } }, "datePublished": "2022-12-14", "dateModified": "2024-10-01" } ```