More than two and a half centuries have passed since Benjamin Franklin and others proved lightning was a form of electricity. Electricity is a form of energy that starts with atoms. An atom has three parts: protons, neutrons, and electrons. At least one electron travels around the center of the atom at great speed. Forcing electrons to flow from atom to atom creates electricity. In the United States, this process is typically performed at power plants. There are many ways to generate electricity such as burning coal, nuclear reaction, or through renewable methods such as solar, wind and more.
Electricity from the power plant is brought to you along a network of power equipment and lines. Electricity leaves the power plant on high power transmission lines on tall towers to substations and is brought to homes and businesses by transformers that manage the voltage and service lines that carry the current.
Producing and delivering the energy that powers our homes and businesses often involves introducing new terms. We've listed and defined many of those to help you navigate the energy process along with us.
