Generation
and transmission cooperatives (G&Ts), like Great River Energy, operate
power generating facilities. At a steam generating plant, the fuel (coal,
nuclear or biomass) heats water to make steam and drive a turbine. In a
combustion turbine, the fuel (gas or oil) is burned and the hot gas drives
a turbine. Wind hydro and solar are other forms of energy producers.
High-Voltage
Transmission Lines
Transformers
at the generating plant increase the voltage up to a transmission voltage
(69 kV, 115 kV, 230 kV, 500 kV, 765 kV), so it can travel long distances
over high-voltage transmission lines. G&Ts operate these lines, which
carry the electric energy from the generating stations to the places where
electricity is used.
TRANSMISSION SUBSTATION Transformers reduce the electric energy
down to a lower voltage (69 kV, 34 kV) making it suitable for high-volume
delivery over short distances.
LOCAL DISTRIBUTION SUBSTATION Transformers reduce the electric energy down to a lower voltage
(69 kV, 34 kV) making it suitable for high-volume delivery over short
distances.
Large
Industrial User Most industries need 2,400 to 4,160 volts
to run heavy machinery. They usually have their own substation at
the facility.
Distribution
Lines Lines belonging to local electric co-ops carry electricity to
transformers that reduce power levels to 120/240 or 120/208 volts
for use in schools, farms, small businesses and homes.
