In every geographical location, there are electric companies catering to the needs of residents in the area. If you reside in Canada and you look up in the internet electric companies, you will be given a long list. An electric company in Toronto known as the Toronto Electric Light Company supplied electricity to Toronto since 1882. Electric company facilitates the production as well as the distribution of electricity in the city.
Distributing electricity is very complicated and expensive. Although the whole process can be complicated, every stage is simple.
Generation
Electricity is generated from power plants. These power plants either burn coal, natural gas or oil in order to produce steam. The steam in turn turns the turbine which is attached to a very big magnet. The spinning of the turbine generates electric current.
There are different kinds of power plants. First, there is the hydro electric power plant. Water and wind spin the turbine in these plants. In solar thermal plants, the sun will heat a liquid which eventually turns into gas and in turn spins the turbine.
The electricity generated is sent to transformers which regulates and increases the voltage. Through the transformers, the current is strengthened so that it can be sent to long distances. Electric company Toronto invests in huge transformers to better serve the community.
Transmission
From the power plant then to transformers, the electric current is sent to homes, corporate building and stadiums through transmission lines. This is done through a series of lines called the electricity grid. These lines carry high voltage current and could be deadly. The voltage is between 130,000 and 500,000 volts.
Voltage is lowered when it reaches sub-stations and then through the use of smaller power lines these are distributed by networks of electric companies.
Electric companies have sub-station and several zone sub-stations. From these stations, the electricity goes back to kiosk sub-stations and voltage is lowered once again so that it will be safe for household use. Usually for house level, it is lowered to at least 240 volts. For corporate and commercial buildings, voltage is regulated at a different level.
Distribution
Electricity reaches your home though underground cables or overhead wires then current rushes to your meter box. As the homeowner, you are responsible in clearing the way for these power lines to reach your home without any obstructions. Electricity passes to from the meter box then through the circuit breakers, they travel in smaller wires towards the power circuits in your house. These circuits in turn connect and travel to different switches that are placed by electrician in your house. The switch acts as the power locator.
The meter box measures the electricity consumption in your house using the measurement of kilowatt hours. Electric companies send their men to your homes to read the meter box and in turn you pay the company for your electric consumption.