1) Most of our electricity is generated by turbine-generators in large
power plants.
To produce electricity, a turbine-generator converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. Mechanical energy is created by moving steam or gas across the blades of a turbine which is revolving between approximately 3000 to 3600 times per minute.
The spinning turbine is connected to a metal rod in a generator
that turns a large magnet surrounded by coils of copper wire. The
spinning magnet creates a powerful magnetic field around the coils.
The magnetic field lines up the electrons in the copper coils and
starts them moving. The movement of these charged electrons through
a wire is electricity.
2) The energy for heating this gas
or the water to create the steam comes from burning fuels such
as coal, oil or natural gas. Other
turbines can be fueled by nuclear energy, falling water (for
hydro generation), solar power, wind power or even garbage and
agricultural
waste products.
3) Thick wires carry the electric current from the generator to
a transformer, which increases the voltage of the current.
The electricity leaves the power plant at 500,000 volts or higher,
traveling many miles through high voltage transmission lines.
4) When the electricity arrives where it is needed, it passes through
a substation where other transformers decrease the voltage to levels
that can be used by factories, shopping malls and schools etc. Distribution
lines – mounted on poles or buried underground – carry electricity
from the substation to where it is used.
5) In your neighborhood, smaller transformers mounted on poles or
concrete pads on the ground further reduce the electrical voltage
to 110 – 220 volts which can be used safely in your house.
6) Electricity enters your house through a meter which measures
the amount of electricity you use passes through an electrical
control panel which controls its distribution through wires in the
walls and finally to lights, wall switches and outlets. When you
"switch on" or "plug in" an appliance, you complete the circuit
from the power plant and electricity operates the lights and appliances
in your home.