Where does your power come from?

Every day I get to work in an industry that has shaped the modern world as we know it — electricity. As we often “flip the switch” without much thought, I want to recognize the journey that electricity undertakes before illuminating our homes and businesses.

Our present-day electric grid, often taken for granted, is the result of meticulous coordination, substantial investments and concerted efforts. While the intricacies of this electrical network may seem daunting, the process of delivering power to our homes and businesses is, in essence, a straightforward one. Here is a brief overview of how electricity embarks on its journey from the grid to your doorstep.

The initial step involves the generation of electricity, which is achieved through a diverse array of energy sources ranging from fossil fuels like coal and natural gas to the ever-expanding horizons of renewable energy, encompassing solar power, wind power and hydropower. The infrastructure for electricity generation is tailored to the specific energy source, featuring power plants for natural gas, dams for hydropower and extensive solar panel arrays. Over the past decade, the evolution of generation technologies has seen solar and wind power taking on increasingly significant roles in our energy mix, propelling us toward a more sustainable future.

Following electricity generation, the next phase involves the transmission of power via high voltage transmission lines. These formidable conduits serve as the initial conveyors, facilitating the movement of copious amounts of energy from the generation source to densely populated regions. At distribution substations, transformers facilitate the transition from transmission lines to distribution power lines. These distribution lines bear the responsibility of carrying electricity into our businesses, neighborhoods and individual homes.

In our busy lives, the appreciation of electricity often goes unnoticed until power isn’t available to us, disrupting our daily routines. However, this indispensable resource allows us to illuminate our homes, power our smartphones, preserve our perishables and undertake a myriad of other activities that enhance our quality of life. I encourage all of us to be mindful of this marvel that surrounds us, and in doing so, appreciate the electricity that powers our lives.

By Chris Meyers

General Manager | Oklahoma Association of Electric Cooperatives