Supplying a reliable flow of energy to consumers…
After electricity is generated, it travels to consumers through transmission and distribution lines. Transmission lines move electricity from the source of generation to neighborhoods and businesses. From there, distribution systems move the electricity to individual homes and buildings. In most cases, when electricity is transmitted it flows through the path of least resistance and typically cannot be sent in a particular direction.
New “smart grid” technologies allow electricity to be delivered from suppliers to consumers more efficiently and reliably. In Virginia,
the City of Charlottesville will be the first to make wide use of this new technology. Through the installation of “smart meters”, a typical residential customer is expected to see a 4 percent reduction in energy use without changing behavior. Other future benefits include real-time information on their energy use and the option to switch energy use to lower-cost time periods.
The Virginia Energy Plan acknowledges the need for a robust infrastructure in order to deliver affordable, reliable energy supplies to consumers. Virginia’s electric infrastructure is the largest energy system in the state. While conservation may reduce growth in demand, it is not expected to eliminate the need for additional transmission infrastructure.
In an effort to meet the growing energy demands of Virginia consumers, this coalition will work to advocate for needed transmission infrastructure, including transmission lines and smart grid technologies.
Click here to view how an electric system works. (2.5 MB, Requires Abode Reader to view. If you do not have Adobe Reader, you can download it
here.)